Call for Papers: Asian Theatre Working Group #16 Colloquium - Saitama University, Japan

13 October, 2024 by Berislav Juraic | 0 comments

Call for Papers: Asian Theatre Working Group #16 Colloquium - Saitama University, Japan

Asian Theatre Working Group #16 in cooperation with Saitama University, Japan

Festivals & Festa – Performing the Public Space

22-23 March 2025  Saitama University, Japan

Theatre and performing arts festivals in Asia have historically been connected to religion, mythology and seasonal changes, forming a complex relationship between gods, worshipers, patrons and performers. Festivals with performative elements, such as Diwali, Duan Wu Jie, Ati-Atihan and Omizutori, have continued for centuries. On the other hand, since the beginning of the 21st century, we have witnessed a proliferation of contemporary performing arts festivals in both major urban cities (such as Seoul’s SPAF in South Korea, Kyoto Experiment and Theatre Commons in Japan, Bangkok’s BIPAM and Taipei Arts Festival), and rural places (such as Japanese ‘Festa’ or Wuzhen Theatre Festival in China). For urban centres, festivals are a source of prestige and pride; for local authorities in rural regions, festivals are a tool for revitalising local cultures and tourism. This ‘festivalisation of culture’ has also been important in fostering a sense of identity for the local community. Both traditional festivals with performative elements and contemporary theatre festivals bring theatre into public spaces, where they can reach audiences that would not otherwise be exposed to performances.

At this colloquium, we would like to discuss theatre, festivals and theatre festivals as public platforms where histories and memories are contested and negotiated locally, transregionally and transnationally. What is the relationship between theatre, festivals and theatre festivals today? How do they rewrite histories and (re)contextualise local, regional or global stories? How do theatre and festivals negotiate public and private spaces? What kind of dramaturgies do they advance?

We welcome papers that address broadly the following topics:

• Festivals as assembly

• Festivals as interventions into the architectural and/or socio-political fabrics of places both now and in the past

• Festivals as a critique of or conforming to public discourses

• Transnational, inter-Asian and local festivals 

• Festivals driving innovations

• Festivals and new technologies (digital festivals in Asia, VR at Festivals, etc.) 

• Festivals and funding

• Festival dramaturgy/curation (methods and processes)

• Festival ethics and risk-taking

• Grassroots/Community-led festivals

• Asian festivals/performances at festivals outside Asia 

We are hoping to receive a wide range of proposals from historiographical, socio-political, intermedial, methodological, practical and other perspectives. We also welcome proposals other than the ones suggested as long as they follow the main theme. This two-day colloquium will also serve as a springboard for possible new publication by Asian Theatre Working Group.

Abstracts should be no longer than 250 words accompanied by 100-word (max) biography. Accepted presenters are expected to provide a 1000-word outline of their presentation by 10 March 2025, which will be shared among the participants to allow for an in-depth discussion. Along with paper presentations, we are open to other formats such as roundtable panels or short workshops. Please also include information about any technical requirements, especially if your proposal involves a different format.

Please send your abstracts to atwg2025su@gmail.com 

Dates to Remember:

Submission deadline: Monday, 4 November 2024
Notifications: Friday, 22 November 2024
Submission of outline papers: Monday, 10 March 2025
Dates of Colloquium: Saturday/Sunday, 22-23 March 2025

There are no fees to attend.
Lunches will kindly be provided by Saitama University. 

 

Note:
Lodging can be arranged at the nearby Japan Foundation Japanese Language Institute, Urawa for 3000 yen/night (single room), please register interest when sending your draft. See here https://www.jpf.go.jp/e/urawa/ or https://www.jpf.go.jp/j/urawa/about/shisetsu.html

For enquiries, please email organisers of ATWG #16: atwg2025su@gmail.com

Organising Committee

Professor Tove Bjoerk (Saitama University, Japan)

Dr Liyang Xia (Centre for Ibsen Studies, University of Oslo)

Beri Juraic (Lancaster University, UK)

 

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