The energy and inspiration from the ASSITEJ World Congress in Havana made a lasting impression on me. ASSITEJ Cuba and so many others did a tremendous job creating and hosting the 21st ASSITEJ World Congress. It was an amazing experience in many ways. But, without the time, money, obstacle-tackling, and courage that so many delegates invested in their journey to Havana, there would be no Congress. I think one of the greatest strengths of the ASSITEJ network is that so many members give a lot of themselves - both from their professional capacity and their heart.
Today is my first office day in a new place. My theatre company, Spektra, has just moved into a new space together with another small company here in Kristiansand. So far, our office has been our kitchen tables or a cafe. We’ve moved in and out of rehearsal studios and driven far out of the city centre to the storage space we’ve rented. It feels amazing to finally have a place of our own, with a small studio, a kitchen, and a storage space (it’s of course full already). Right now, it feels like anything is possible. The air is thick with potential (and dust, the place still needs a lot of work…).
The space is called Lunta. It literally means The Fuse, but in Norwegian, the word sounds quite soft and warm when spoken. The contradiction fits the space perfectly. This is where I’ll be doing my Spektra-work, my ASSITEJ Norway work and beginning now, my EC-work. My first Executive Committee meeting is in a month’s time, and I’m looking forward to really starting. Lunta is new, being on the EC is new, and 2024 seems to be a year full of changes for me. I love it, and I fear it at the same time.
The energy and inspiration from the ASSITEJ World Congress in Havana made a lasting impression on me. ASSITEJ Cuba and so many others did a tremendous job creating and hosting the 21st ASSITEJ World Congress. It was an amazing experience in many ways. But, without the time, money, obstacle-tackling, and courage that so many delegates invested in their journey to Havana, there would be no Congress. I think one of the greatest strengths of the ASSITEJ network is that so many members give a lot of themselves – both from their professional capacity and their heart.
Just as the gigantic, global network needs us to be active contributors, the tiny networks do too. They can be safety-net-works. A work partner, a friend, a life partner, or a colleague who knows you, and the work you do. One thing this last year has taught me is the value of a safety net. Both having one and being one. When you really need a safety net, the global network can’t give you a hug and tell you it’s going to be alright, without even saying the words. This newsletter opener is a reminder to myself, and maybe you too if you need it: remember to take care of the small safety-net-works. And then, dive into the ocean of possibilities that the ASSITEJ network can offer. See you there!
