ASSITEJ Pakistan hosted a virtual edition of Next Generation Program online. As 2020’s edition of Next Generation in Pakistan was postponed due to Covid-19 outbreak in March 2020, a virtual edition was planned.
In the online edition of 3rd Next Generation Program hosted by ASSITEJ Pakistan, 19 artists from 9 countries including Germany, USA, Sri Lanka, Russia, Australia, Namibia, Iran, Philippine and Pakistan participated virtually from 13 to 15 November, 2020. This online residency program engaged selected participants of 2020 NG and invited alumni from previous two years hosted in Pakistan.
This edition consisted of individual presentations from participants, collaborative performance making and live public showcases. Three showcase virtual performances were designed, rehearsed and performed on the last date, 15th November 2020. Presentations from the participants and discussion sessions were broadcasted live.
Three final showcase performances including “Finding”, “Fragments” and “It’s a New World” were also broadcasted live. Final showcase performances enthralled the viewers and very positive response received through social media.
Discussions were also part of the program on topics such as performing arts in digital space, opportunities and challenges, collaborations and future and how TYA can work on the new normal.
The online Residency Project, despite all hurdles faced was a huge success. There was an open exchange of ideas and reviews, which added to everyone’s knowledge and exposure as here are few statements from the international participants
Elzaan de Wee from Namibia said:
The program gave me the opportunity of networking and collaborating with diverse artists, theatre practitioners and performers from all over the world. Thank you for creating this incredible platform that brought us all together to engage and share our work and artistic experiences with each other. Although we were all in different counties with different time zones, we were all connected through the power of Art and Theatre
Asiri Dulanjana from Sri lanka said:
NG online 2020 program was the first international program that I got to work with; it was exciting weekend and also so much fun.
Hana Holloway from USA said:
I am so happy for such an amazing few days with this group of people, even if it was virtually. I can’t wait to see how we grow, adapt, and work together in the future. I feel excited and inspired for whats to come.
Judith Claudia Gorgass from Germany said
Three days of connecting with wonderful artists from all over the world. It was a really inspiring experience and even though we didn’t create in the same room we were able to bring three touching, sensitive, funny, beautiful little scenes on the digital stage.
The 3rd Next Generation Program (online) is a project of ASSITEJ Pakistan. It was supported by the ASSITEJ partners, MAAS Foundation, Harsukh, The Little Art and Chota Mota Theater.
