Bird's Eye View
Published 12 October 2008
In 2007 I attended the decibel Performing Arts Showcase to report as an objective observer on the many different facets that combine to make this event what it is.
The first day of this event was set aside for an international symposium, entitled '''Breaking Boundaries, Building Bridges''' The theme of this symposium was the exploration and examination of opportunities and practicalities for cross-cultural, international collaborations and partnerships in the performing arts.
'''International Symposium'''
The International Symposium was billed as a curtain raiser to the decibel showcase, yet on some levels could easily have succeeded as a stand alone event.
All plenary session leaders, panel members, members of the National decibel team, and the creative and event management team, came together on the evening before the International Symposium for an informal reception in one of the event’s host venues.
This ‘meet and greet’ was a great opportunity to meet all those working ‘behind the scenes’ and gave a chance for all those involved in the panel sessions to begin preliminary discussions of the issues that would be raised during the course of the week.
The evening was an excellent idea, that seemed to create a sense of camaraderie between everybody present, which continued into the rest of the week.
The Symposium genuinely seemed to ‘take off’ with the arrival of the first plenary session ‘Taking Art Across Borders’. Dieter Jaenicke, Stella Hall, Sydney Bartley and Nidal Al-Achkar made up a powerfully engaging panel that emphasised the overall message of the event and genuinely stirred up the audience, and fostered some interesting debates and contributions.
The In Coversation... featured Tang Shu-Wing, one of Hong Kong's leading theatre and artistic directors and a senior lecturer at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.
Interviewed by TV journalist Joyce Ohajah this pairing proved to be an excellent interactive introduction to the work of this intelligent director. Choosing an experienced news broadcaster to interview Shu-Wing was an inspired decision, as Joyce made effective work of drawing out informative responses which in turn enabled delegates to gain a real perspective of his work.
The impressive impact he made on the audience was obvious from the lively question and answer session that ensued and the referencing of him from many delegates as one of their highlights of the week.
A series of mini plenary sessions were held throughout the day addressing a range of issues including skills and competencies for successful touring, how difference and 'otherness' can be used advantageously and creating intercultural connections. Led by experienced international arts practitioners, these sessions offered unique insight and an opportunity to add to the global discussions and debates influencing and strengthening diverse performing arts across global markets.
The day ended with a performance by the saxophonist Courtney Pine OBE; a true pioneer and well regarded as one of the most influential British Jazz musicians of the past 20 years. Giving a performance that had delegates dancing in the aisles was a fitting way end the day and set delegates up for the week ahead.
