Bringing Theatre to developing nations

[Barton Pitchford]

Hello All,

I am a newbie to this site, but I find it a breath of fresh air. I have been trying to locate a forum for discussing the potential for bringing theatre to Yemen, but I have not been successful in identifying an implementing partner. Does anyone know what groups may exist that would have the access and infrastructure to carry out a project in this area? I may be able to provide the funding.

[Joanna Marie Sherman]

Hi Barton,
My company, Bond Street Theatre (USA), has been working in Afghanistan over the last seven years, and with disadvantaged communities in other countries (most recently Pakistan and India). We find it most effective to partner with theatre artists in each country so that we are part of a peer-to-peer collaborative team. We are starting a new project in Myanmar (and the borders in Bangladesh and Thailand), but Yemen is also in our sights since we have been working in Islamic countries for the last decade. We frequently work in partnership with UNICEF or UNIFEM, or educational NGOs and work in their schools and centers. You can take a look at our website to get an idea -- www.bondst.org -- and maybe we can work together.

[Barton Pitchford]

Joanna,
Thank you for your reply. I am impressed by what your company has accomplished. I have never been part of or undertaken anything of this scope before. In your experience what is typically the cost of a program that would include training (either in country or in international locations), performing, and analyzing the effects? How long does it normally take to gain access to an area and gain the support to implement the project. Do you typically work through local councils or do you go to the national governments?

Joanna Marie Sherman said:

Hi Barton,
My company, Bond Street Theatre (USA), has been working in Afghanistan over the last seven years, and with disadvantaged communities in other countries (most recently Pakistan and India). We find it most effective to partner with theatre artists in each country so that we are part of a peer-to-peer collaborative team. We are starting a new project in Myanmar (and the borders in Bangladesh and Thailand), but Yemen is also in our sights since we have been working in Islamic countries for the last decade. We frequently work in partnership with UNICEF or UNIFEM, or educational NGOs and work in their schools and centers. You can take a look at our website to get an idea -- www.bondst.org -- and maybe we can work together.