Fellow theatre lovers,

 

In keeping with a commitment made at the General Assembly in Korea, we are endeavouring to maintain good communications with members.

I note that planning is going ahead in many key AITA/IATA events. The groups have been selected for the World Festival of Children’s  Theatre, planning for Monaco 2009 is already at an advanced stage, the intention to hold the next Drama in Education Congress has been announced by the Austrian Centre for 2010 and finally planning is in progress for the Festival of Senses 2008, in Lingen Germany. Contact addresses for each of these official events can be found on our website or members can make contact with the secretariat. Of course, regional and national events and exchanges are also in progress in all our regions, including the Performance Arts Festival organised by our colleagues in Toyama. As President I pledge all these events my full support and I am looking forward to participation in some of those listed above.

 

You will have seen from the previous newsletter that Mr. Koizumi of Japan was was awarded a Civil Knighthood in the Order of Leopold I in Ghent, Belgium.  I am sure that everyone in AITA/IATA congratulates him and wishes Mr. Koizumi many more active years in promotion of the arts and of theatre in particular, at home and abroad.

 

Josef Hollos, a member of Council and current President of the CEC region has also received a coveted honour; from his own great city of Vienna Golden Decoration for Merits for the City and County of Vienna.  This honour was conferred for his dedicated service to Children and Youth, Youth Culture, Youth Theatre. Once again, we can be proud, celebrate and share a little in these honours.

 

Again I would like to take this opportunity to invite members to write to me directly at the secretariat address concerning any matter of interest and/or concern. It is always a pleasure to receive such correspondence. Indeed the next Council meeting will be held in Vienna at the end of February, so please avail of my invitation for contact or suggest any item that you consider should be discussed at Council. Of course, your friendly Council representative can also be contacted to speak on your behalf at the Council meeting.

 

May I wish all our members and their families a fruitful and successful 2008

 

Respectfully

 

Paddy O’Dwyer

President AITA/IATA asbl