The Japan Times: Maybe 13 is an unlucky number? Contemporary theater’s annual Festival/Tokyo is known for its focus on young artists and edgy productions, but for its 13th edition it has had to deal with the pandemic like many other events of its kind.
Speaking at a recent press conference to announce details of this year’s lineup, dramaturge Kaku Nagashima, the festival’s co-director, told reporters, “The influence of COVID-19 may continue for a few more years, and there could also be another new pandemic.
2 comments:
Though this article was short and sweet it touched on some really great points starting with the title. Arts organizations need to stay open to new possibilities as the predicted “twindemic” hits and places like our very own Pittsburgh are seeing the most COVID-19 cases in one day since the start of the COVID outbreak, it is reminding people that COVID isn’t going to go away anytime soon and that we all need to remain vigilant. This means theatres and arts organizations still need to remain open to new possibilities of staying digital. The article started off with a quote from a dramaturg – a voice I’ve really hear speak in during this revisioning of theatre – saying something very smart (that the pandemic will probably be with us for a few years to come). The dramaturg and festival director continues to highlight the need for theatres to remain flexible. Even if states allow re-openings, artists already slated to perform/work with you may have circumstances change or not be comfortable working in the way an organization wants. Flexibility is KEY to both collaboration (pre, during, and post COVID) and working during these unusual times. This article goes onto highlight what these different shows are doing and it is evident that these shows are leaning into being online and digital. They have accepted the facts and want to create the best work possible, unlike some people I’ve listened to/work within the School of Drama who are trying to look at this year and next year as needing a band-aid to just get through instead of creating the best art possible. This article was very optimistic about the digital work of theatre and hopefully, this energy is felt by all attendees.
I am really happy to read about how successfully this troupe is approaching going online - or at least, that's the way it seems. We all crave art, but the number of organizations that have shut down, either because of financial restrictions of operating costs or not being able to choose shows where the rights are available for "Zoom shows," has been much too numerous. To see these hybrid approaches, of cast filming and then streaming of shows, actually work is all we can ask for as the second wave is upon us. We all know this is the way it is going to be, so I hope more people are flexible in their visions and creativity to give performing arts a proper chance today.
Side-note: I think the way the author tried to tie the first and last sentences together genuinely made me laugh. It reminded me of how our elementary school teachers gave us techniques to "make our point" or different writing features to make it more interesting. Nothing wrong with it, just a little funny.
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