Introduction from Adele Chynoweth - Lowdown ACT News Editor
“There are more people in the pursuit of knowledge than the accountants will admit”.
British playwright Howard Barker tells us that there is more to a culture, of which theatre is a part, than mere bread and circuses. Barker’s statement also reminds us that we are living in an era in which, too often, the work of arts, cultural and educational organisations is ruled by the bean counter. Of course a budget is crucial, but sales targets, key performance indicators, measurable outcomes, commercial branding and productivity quotients may distract us from the real needs of our young audiences.
As the new ACT Editor I not only want to let you know what’s going on in Canberra. I also seek clarity about which lenses we choose to view theatre for young people. For example, a historical perspective reminds me of the wonderful background from which Lowdown emerged. The idea of creating theatre for young audiences emerged after the Second World War, when in 1947 UNESCO established the International Theatre Institute.
The world responded to the destruction of war by turning to the cultural needs of its children. From this ASSITEJ (Association International du Theatre pour l’Enfance et la Jeunesse ) was formed in 1965. A global partnership of organisations that specialised in producing performances for young people had begun.
1975 marked the first biennial Come Out Festival in Adelaide and then along came Lowdown.
In 1989 the General Assembly of United Nations adopted the Convention of the Rights of the Child. Amongst other provisions, the right for young people to participate fully in cultural and artistic life was sealed. Ironically, in the same year when there were over 30 theatre-in-education companies in Australia, education departments gradually withdrew their funding. Sophisticated young audiences rightfully demand smart aesthetics.
Now we see globalism in a new light through the “Coca-Cola-isation” and mediatisation of our world. We seem to have to fight to ensure that local culture has a place and that the artistic rights of young people are adequately funded. Through this understanding, I will give you the “lowdown” on youth performing arts in Canberra.
I look forward to hearing your news and insights.
Adele Chynoweth
To submit news articles for publishing in the ACT Column of Lowdown Magazine Online contact Adele via email at ACT Editor