The Sum of the Whole
JUNE 12, 2009The Sum of the Whole
From the IPAY home office of Jeremy "Boomer" Stacey
I remember my first "Danish experience". I was eased into the Danish children's theatre scene not in the huge spring festival but in the relatively quieter fall festival that takes place in Horsens on an annual basis. With the aid of colleagues from the Danish Arts Council and several Danish artist friends I was able to cobble together a great line-up of companies and shows to see, initiating me into the realm of what many consider to be one of the best collective communities producing work for young audiences. It certainly provided a great base for my next visit, to the huge spring festival, which sees over 75 Danish theatre for young audience companies collectively presenting over 500 productions throughout one week, to an audience of Danish children, families, and teachers as well as over 100 International guests and delegates each year.
In a span of three days (doable at the festival, but I would recommend going for five days) it's possible to see 15 to 20 performances. A great starting point would be to highlight the latest productions by Gruppe 38, Carte Blanche, Mollen, Fairplay, and Refleksion, leaving the opportunity to try and catch whatever performance is garnering the 'festival buzz'. Don't forget to save time and energy to sit and chat with any of the Danish artists in the festival centre, or join the conversation going on with any of the visiting presenters, producers and artists from North America, Europe, Asia, Australia or Africa. It's an amazing experience.
Many years and many Danish festivals later, I continue to be amazed by this whirlwind of a festival and this communal devotion to creating outstanding work for young audiences. At this year's festival I managed to see many of my favorite, well-known companies, was enchanted by the visiting Belgian productions and reveled in seeing old friends and colleagues as well as having the opportunity to continue to expand a network of international friendships and professional relationships.
Looking back at the many Danish experiences, I think what strikes me the most is the sum of the whole experience. I love the prospect of seeing the next great show, but more so love being immersed in an environment in which art for young people is the focus. It’s a hub of ideas, connections and creativity and exactly what a great festival should be.
The reality is, as much as I would recommend it to all IPAY members, it's not always realistic for everyone to afford a week away in Denmark every spring. What is more realistic is for us to look closer to home to the many great festivals that take place throughout North America every April, May and June. It took decades of festivals for the Danish festival to get to its current configuration, and decades of devoted artists and presenters coming together, talking about the field and the work, and gradually creating an international epicenter of discussion and interaction. We have the same capacity to continue to support our festivals as dynamic hubs. Many North American festivals already offer great delegate packages and opportunities for guests to participate. It may be too late to head off to a festival this year, but maybe not. I’ve noticed that Gruppe 38 will be performing just a few hours drive from my house next month and I’ll be making the trip down to see them, support their performance and ask them what they think about their latest touring experience. Maybe I’ll see you there, but if not, hope to share a festival experience with you soon!