ASSITEJ Artistic Gathering 2025 France

Tya And Social Change

Arojah Royal Theatre

Talk / Petite Salle - Théâtre Joliette

As the Host/Moderator of the Session, I shall deliver a 5-10-minute provocative talk on the suggested topic, underscoring the intersection between Theatre for Young Audiences and Social Change, highlighting the progress thus far in Africa and elsewhere.

Subsequently, four panelists will each present 5-minute submissions, covering at least 4 of 6 continents, hopefully from Africa, Europe, Latin America, and Asia, sharing best practices in their countries/continents.

The session will conclude with a general interactive Q&A period where, as moderator, I'll ask further questions to advance the conversation, alongside questions and contributions from participants.

Production Credits

Jerry Adesewo - Nigeria

Cleiton Echeveste - Brazil

Vicky Ireland - UK

Vivan Boateng - Ghana

About the Artists

Jerry Adesewo

Jerry Adesewo is a Nigerian theatre producer, director, and writer, widely recognized for his contributions to sustaining theatre culture in Nigeria. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of Arojah Royal Theatre, producer of the Abuja International Theatre Festival and Awards, and the Abuja Children's Festival. His work extends beyond Nigeria, representing the country at international festivals including the SAND Festival in Norway and SWEDSTAGE in Sweden. Jerry holds several international positions, serving as the Nigeria/West African Coordinator for the UK-based INDRA Congress and as a board member of the International Inclusive Arts Network (IIAN). His dedication to promoting theatre as a tool for social change and cultural expression has made him a locally and internationally respected figure. He is an EC member of ASSITEJ Nigeria and Director of Programmes in the last three editions of the ASSITEJ Nigeria Theatre Festival (ANT Festival).

Cleiton Echeveste

Cleiton Echeveste is an actor, playwright, director, and researcher based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He holds a Master's degree (UNIRIO) in Performing Arts. His thesis investigates gender and sexuality dissidences in the Theatre for Young Audiences, based on work developed over almost two decades with Pandorga Theatre Company. His plays have won awards and been translated into Spanish and published in Brazil, Peru, and Argentina. He is a member of the Brazilian Center of ASSITEJ (CBTIJ/ASSITEJ Brasil), where he served as president of the Board of Directors (2017-2023). He is part of the steering boards of Write Local Play Global (WLPG) and the International Inclusive Arts Network (IIAN) of ASSITEJ, and regularly collaborates with the ASSITEJ Ibero-American Network (IBEROASSITEJ).