Teboho is a Sesotho word that can loosely be translated to mean gratitude. And so, I offer a gratitude tale:
Once upon a recent yesterday, I found myself in a faraway land — Marseilles, France — graciously hosted by ASSITEJ France, welcomed into Theatre Massalia and many other warm, vibrant venues throughout the city.
There, the days shimmered with long walks, food, laughter, collegiality, conversations, shows (and more shows!), friendships, and enriching exchanges.
There, I met a noble President — Sue Giles — who affirms:
“I grew up on the lands of the Peramangk people and now acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, on whose lands I live and work, and that this land was never ceded. I pay my respects to their Elders past and present. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.”
Sue charted the course of our gathering like a captain steering by the brightest stars.
I met a knowledgeable Treasurer, Emilie Robert, who — together with her team — built invisible bridges so we could all dance safely from dream to dream. I still have Estelle Derquenne popping up electronically whenever I try to fill out a form — because she played an indelible role in ensuring that I, and many other delegates, received the right documentation for visa applications.
I remember helping at the kiosk with registration. I remember busting all my assumptions when I realized how letters spelled and pronounced depends on the language one speaks. Even with online registration done, sometimes people needed reassurance — “Is this correct?” Perhaps to carry the lanyards with pride, not only displaying their names and centres but the languages they spoke — beyond French, English, Portuguese, and Spanish — a multitude of tongues easing interactions and deepening understanding.
That is why I will never forget Carole Karemera, a wise Translator, who in many instances caught our words like butterflies and set them free in a new sky.
Experiencing the exceptional and kind facilitation of Theis Irgens, Julia Dina Hesse, and Jon Dafydd-Kidd — who beautifully threaded the vision of ASSITEJ International from Havana, Cuba (Voices of a New World, 24 May–1 June 2024) to Marseilles, France (Bright Generations, 23–29 March 2025) — was unforgettable. Individually and collectively, they stirred the fires of conversation and invited every voice to the circle, to the centre. Reminding us that inclusivity is embodied praxis.
Now thinking of Gonzalo Moreno Arriero, Shoaib Iqbal, and Paulo Merisio, I recall our robust strategic talks — collecting words and images, bridging with the host communication team’s efforts, making sure no one felt left behind.
I was quite moved by the intentionality with which ASSITEJ weaves research into how and why we do what we do for children and young audiences. Watching Yannick Boudeau and Bebê de Soares tucked in a corner deep in conversation about how research feeds the ASSITEJ vision gave me joy. It confirmed that we’ll always be encouraged to speak from an informed position.
The earnestness of Stavros Stavrou and his team in mobilising ASSITEJ Centers membership was equally inspiring. At African Children and Youth Theatre Arena (ACYTA) — with the rallying cry Far together, that’s the GOAL. That’s OUR journey — there’s a shared drive to grow membership, and I appreciated the potential for collaboration that avoids duplication while expanding our reach.
For those of us who got a little lost in the maze of technology trying to access the programme or sort out logistics, I fondly remember Marissa Garay, Chris Blois-Brooke, and Louis Valente — whom I regard as the quiet Guardians of Details, keeping the clockwork of wonder ticking while we lived the magic.
Together, you supported the host to spun a festival that felt like a small, perfect home — where strangers became friends, and every moment held a bit of sunlight.
I feel GreatFULL.
Thank you for letting me be part of your story.
I carry it home like a secret treasure — inspired not only to mobilise for the 2027 Congress in South Korea (the land of Seok-hong Kim, who made a powerful proposal for why his centre is ready to host the world), but also to perform at the National Arts Festival, Makhanda — an incredible partner to ASSITEJ International. Thank you Akhona Daweti, Guy Nelson, and Nicci Spalding.
My hope is that one day, you may feel the same magic you stirred in me.
Chopping onions and sending you all more prowess, creativity, love, and light.
With deep gratitude,
Lalu Mokuku
