You can literally feel the ASSITEJ world expanding! ASSITEJ demonstrates its commitment to broadening perspectives and fostering collaboration across continents. It is an invitation to reflect on the evolving landscape of theatre for young audiences and the importance of embracing diversity, inclusion, and cross-cultural collaboration in shaping its future.
The XXI ASSITEJ World Congress “Voices of a New World” in Havana, Cuba will be a unique cultural immersion experience!
Bebê de Soares
In 2017, the entire ASSITEJ community gathered in Cape Town for the Cradle of Creativity XX World Congress under the theme “Building Bridges, Crossing Borders”.
In 2024, we are preparing for a unique cultural immersion experience in Havana, Cuba for the XXI ASSITEJ World Congress “Voices of a New World”!
You can literally feel the ASSITEJ world expanding! ASSITEJ demonstrates its commitment to broadening perspectives and fostering collaboration across continents. It is an invitation to reflect on the evolving landscape of theatre for young audiences and the importance of embracing diversity, inclusion, and cross-cultural collaboration in shaping its future.
The past 5 years have been an exciting journey for all of us at ASSITEJ – EC members and staff, ASSITEJ Cuba and the Performing Arts Council in Havana. It is not easy to describe the excitement every step of the way, so much anticipation for what is to come.
The selection of the professional exchange program was perhaps the highlight of the whole process for me. Being able to travel to Havana in December 2023 made the task a very special experience: sitting together in a room in Havana, we could not stop smiling as we imagined this or that proposal for Cuban children or professionals.
As a result, we have an exceptional professional exchange program that will be a great opportunity for us. An extraordinary offer that reflects the generosity and strength of our global membership – more than 70 events, workshops, presentations, and inspirational dynamics that will be shared with the children, their families, educators, artists, and professionals who will gather in May.
I also would like to mention our gratitude to all jury members in the long selection process for the International Festival and all artists that are coming to Havana to show their work to Cuban children which in the end, is the reason we all do what we do! We are deeply grateful to each professional who has contributed to this incredible panorama, as well as to the courageous local organizers. One can only imagine the immense number of hours invested by all parties, sharing not only their time, effort, and talent, but also the joy of contributing to a unique celebration with all our members!
Now I must make an aside. It would not have been possible for this World Congress to take place in Cuba if it had not been for Irene Borges and our Secretary General, Louis Valente, who is Danish by birth but Cuban at heart. The combination of her visionary powers and his intercultural competence made the gigantic task before us irresistible, both for the Cuban side and the global ASSITEJ.
And let’s not forget the host country, Cuba. With its rich arts scene and vibrant culture, it is the perfect backdrop for a gathering like this. So, get ready to be inspired, because this will be an event that will leave a lasting impression.
Let’s raise a mojito to embrace diversity, break down barriers, and shape the future of theatre for young audiences, one congress at a time. SALUD!
