Lize Kubersky
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA
The International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People (ASSITEJ) and ASSITEJ Zambia recently hosted three main events at the Cresta Golfview Hotel in the Zambian capital last week.
An important event was the meeting of the Executive Committee of ASSITEJ International as well as a workshop for theatre practitioners on the use of puppetry in HIV/Aids advocacy.
A seminar with the theme “Theatre as a means of social change” was also presented at the workshop.
ASSITEJ, a ‘World Theatre Network’ was established in 1965 by a global alliance of professional theatre for children and young people. “Today, ASSITEJ is an international network of theatre for children and young people whereby Namibia is also affiliated.
The events that occurred from May 15 to 23 included the official opening where the Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Catherine Namugala, welcomed members of the ASSITEJ family from various parts of the world, representing a wide variety of nationalities and cultures.
She stated that it was an honour for Zambia to host an international event of such magnitude and significance, not only for the ASSITEJ fraternity, but also to Zambia.
The Minister went on to state that she was impressed by the variety of countries represented at the events.
“The executive committee of ASSITEJ International itself is a true reflection of an international body covering all the continents.” It has members from Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and Australia, Japan, United States of America, United Kingdom, Rwanda, Argentina, Croatia, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Israel, Turkey, South Korea and Zambia.
She continued to say that the Executive Committee should be assured of the support of the Zambian Government with regards to efforts to address the emotional and social needs of children and youth through the medium of theatre.
Like ASSITEJ International, the Zambian government is a strong advocate of children’s rights. “We consider ASSITEJ International to be a partner in the global and national efforts to address the needs and problems of children.
Applause roared in response to a bold statement of a war waged against HIV and AIDS. The Minister commended ASSITEJ for facilitating the organizing of the puppet workshop aimed at contributing to fight against HIV/AIDS. She described it as a forum for cross-pollination and mutual exchange of ideas and experience, especially with regard to efforts to address children’s needs. “It is not debatable that children’s rights are human rights.”
The week’s workshop comprised an intricate exploration of how to use puppetry as a tool, a tool to convey messages on HIV/AIDS. The two facilitators, namely Barbro Lord and Bernt H??????’??