Magcal is on the go! "International Performing Arts Meeting in Yokohama 2014"

The 18th annual "Performing Arts Meeting in Yokohama 2014" (commonly known as TPAM) ended with great success this year.
TPAM is said to be "an international meeting for those who create and those who watch performing arts," and every year it invites a variety of performing arts not only from within Japan but also from overseas, making it a much-talked-about performing arts festival where not only industry professionals but also the general public can enjoy a variety of performing arts.
Among the various programs at TPAM2014, Magcal focused on "TPAM Direction" and "TPAM Exchange" and compiled them in a report.
 
TPAM has already been scheduled to open next year. Whether you missed it this year or are planning to attend next year, be sure to check out this report!
 
What is TPAM? (From the TPAM official website)
http://www.tpam.or.jp/2014/about/

TPAM Direction Report

◉What is TPAM Direction?
Young creators engaged in unique activities will be selected as directors to create programs with original concepts and new perspectives. Through each director's direction, we will share contemporary ideas and issues, providing an opportunity to consider the possibilities of performing arts together.

TPAM Exchange Report

Venue: BankART Studio NYK 2F

◉What is TPAM Exchange?
TPAM Exchange is a program that allows people involved in the performing arts to expand their networks by introducing each other's activities, works, projects, etc.
This program is for professionals only and is not open to the general public.
How are people who create performing arts expanding their networks, introducing each other's work, and sharing information? This report will tell you about how this is happening.
 

 
The weather on the day was unfortunate, following a record-breaking snowfall, but many people involved in the event had already gathered at the venue and were seen exchanging information with each other.
The first area you see upon entering the venue is the speed networking area, where you can talk one-on-one with presenters from Japan and abroad at each table.
Normally, making an appointment to meet with someone in person and listening to what they have to say takes a lot of effort, and it can be difficult to find time to do so, but with a table like this, you can exchange opinions with many relevant people in one day, making it a very attractive program.
 

Speed networking in action
 
Further back is the group meeting space, which, in contrast to the speed networking in front, is a place where multiple people exchange opinions based on a pre-set theme. From individuals to groups, people exchange opinions on issues that concern them, but the opportunity to discuss issues that concern you (share issues) is something that is unique to a program for professionals.
Unlike talk shows, everyone gathers to discuss one issue, so I think it creates an environment where it is easy to exchange opinions.
 

Group meeting
 
The TPAM Exchange Report continues! >>>

However, it's not just the discussion opportunities that are fascinating about this program.
In the presentation room at the back, each group used video to give a presentation about their activities and the works they were creating, and also promoted their works for performance both domestically and internationally.
Normally, audience members have no idea how the works to be performed are decided, so it was a very interesting experience to see how the works could jump out into the world like this.
 

Left: KAAT Kanagawa Arts Theatre introducing programs for overseas audiences
Photo on the right: Introducing the residency program by Kinosaki International Arts Center
 

In the room opposite, an event called "BÜHNE FREI!" was held to showcase German performing arts.
An artist active in the German performing arts field was always present in the room, exchanging opinions with the artists and presenters from each country that visited.
 

There were a large number of flyers and press releases lined up at the venue.
Among the items on display are scripts and other materials unique to exchange programs.
 
I have given you a taste of the atmosphere of the exchange program, but I was once again amazed by how rich the content of this program was.
What is particularly noteworthy about this program is that it brings together "all those involved in supporting the performing arts" to exchange opinions.
It is important to know information about many works, but how do we support these works?
I believe that it is only thanks to the efforts of so many people - creators, venues for performances, and organizations that support them - that we are able to see such wonderful works.
Next time, you may be here, browsing the web as a professional...