During the On the Edge Artistic Gathering in Birmingham, which took place in July 2016, ASSITEJ Belgium gave two young Belgian professionals the opportunity to assist to the gathering: Jennifer El Gammal and Margot De Ley, both working in theatre for young audiences. Jennifer (http://www.jenniferelgammal.org) is a professional actress, musician and writer who has been working with Théâtre Maât for years. Margot writes and directs plays for children since 2013 and founded her own company, Brulschaap (www.brulschaap.com). Below, the impressions of Jennifer.
On the Edge 2016 – by Jennifer El Gammal
« Being at On The Edge in Birmingham has been a fantastic experience. A unique chance to meet artists from all over the world, to see shows from all over the world, and to discuss TYA with fellow practitioners.
I come back from this week with new ideas and reflections about TYA. The conversations I had, the shows I have seen, the symposium, lectures and workshops I attended really got me thinking more deeply about why I want to work in this sector, and how I want to develop my own approach to it.
I was surprised to find that most of the shows I saw over the course of the week seemed to be conceived as mere entertainment. Of course, entertainment is a big part of what we do, but it’s the shows that go beyond that, the shows that say something about life, that leave an impression on me.
So I’m more than ever convinced that, in the complicated, confusing, somewhat terrifying world we live in, kids need to be not only entertained, but challenged, exposed to different experiences that will open their minds and develop their imagination. Now more than ever, we need the new generations (and the old ones, for that matter) to be able to hope and dream, and to think out of the box!
But a deeper reflection on my TYA practice isn’t all I take back from that week in Birmingham. I also come back with a lot of business cards and as many potential new contacts. I come back with a few new friends, a list of festivals I want to go to and of theatre and dance companies I want to discover. I come back with lots of great memories of discussions, laughs and discoveries. And, more importantly, I come back with a strong desire to go to many more ASSITEJ national and international artistic gatherings, and to as many international conventions, conferences and festivals I can afford to go to, as it widens one’s perspectives greatly, artistically and personally. »