Often, when we hear the word “indigenous,” we immediately think of the indigenous peoples in North America. However, indigenous theatre is a type of performance that is based on the storytelling traditions of any specific indigenous culture around the planet. It can be used as a form of entertainment, therapy, or education. Indigenous theatre often includes music, dance, and visual arts. It can be performed in a variety of settings, including homes, community centers, and schools.
SMA is the Stage Managers’ Association. It is an organization based in the USA. However, its International Cohort is growing as well since it began in early 2019. A “UN of Stage Manager” with currently over 25 ambassadors from 15 countries on 6 continents. On July 5, 2021, SMA Director-at-Large David J. McGraw and Editor in Chief/International Cohort Chair Hope Rose Kelly from the USA met for an online discussion with SMA International Cohort Ambassador Anna Robb in Hong Kong. Together, they compared the work conditions of Stage Managers working in both regions and around the world. Drawing on their own experiences as stage manager as well as looking at a 2019 survey, their findings are profound and of imminent importance. We are sharing the highlights of their discussion in an article series of 4 parts. This is part 1.
Ok so I’m going to put it out there and perhaps I’m going to get my hand slapped for it. Even some of my fellow TheatreArtLife contributors are going gasp and shake their heads at me. (I’m looking at you Mena Buscetto). Perhaps I’ve lived in Asia too long and I’m tired of fighting the good fight but I’m going to say it……. why can’t audience members take photos during a theatre show???
Leon Lai is one of the “Four Heavenly Kings” of Hong Kong; superstar HK actor and famous Cantopop singer from the 90’s. His songs are well known across Asia-Pacific and Mainland China and because his live concerts are limited, there’s huge anticipation and crowd turnout every time he performs.
When we arrived at what would be our new home we were in awe, to say the least. The scale of the Han Show Theatre is something that really needs to be seen to be believed.
