Conference Schedule
Announcements on speakers, panelists, roundtable hosts and one-on-one meeting schedules will be released progressively.
Updated as at 30 October 2018
Download a PDF copy of the schedule here!
- 31 Oct
- 1 Nov
- 2 Nov
- 3 Nov
- ASEF Unplugged
16:00 – 17:30
Borak Arts Series Registration | Adelaide Festival Centre (AFC)
19:00 – 19:45
SPOTLIGHT
*SALT by Eko Supriyanto (IND) | Odeon Theatre (57a Queen St, Norwood)
Eko Supriyanto is a pioneering choreographer in Indonesian contemporary dance. Following on from his acclaimed production Cry Jailolo (OzAsia Festival 2015), this latest work combines the forms of Jatilan (Magelang folk trance dance) and Cakalele (war dance from North Maluku), and places them within the state of weightlessness, addressing the rhythm and force of the ocean, which makes up 80% of the Indonesian archipelago.
Capturing the spellbinding duality of the tensions between life-giving water and caustic salt, this engaging and mesmeric solo work is suggestive of embedded cultural hierarchies and changing perspectives. Driven by Dimawan Krisnowo Adji’s dream-like score, Salt is an acclaimed piece fundamentally rooted in nature and our place within it.
Capturing the spellbinding duality of the tensions between life-giving water and caustic salt, this engaging and mesmeric solo work is suggestive of embedded cultural hierarchies and changing perspectives. Driven by Dimawan Krisnowo Adji’s dream-like score, Salt is an acclaimed piece fundamentally rooted in nature and our place within it.
SPOTLIGHT
*BALING by Five Arts Centre (MYS) | Nexus Arts, Lion Arts Centre
On December 28, 1955, three national leaders held a highly publicised meeting that would change the course of history. The location: A small classroom in northern Malaya. The aim: To end seven long years of devastating revolutionary war.
For two days, newly-elected Malayan leader Tunku Abdul Rahman, British colonial official David Marshall and Communist insurgent Chin Peng engaged in clashes of will, impassioned debate and shrewd political manoeuverings in an attempt to resolve the country’s division.
Direct from Malaysia’s cutting edge Five Arts Centre, the original ‘Baling Talks’ transcripts come to life in the hands of performer-researchers who themselves share conflicting political views – and whose gripping documentary-style questioning refuses to let the audience watch as an impartial bystander.
For two days, newly-elected Malayan leader Tunku Abdul Rahman, British colonial official David Marshall and Communist insurgent Chin Peng engaged in clashes of will, impassioned debate and shrewd political manoeuverings in an attempt to resolve the country’s division.
Direct from Malaysia’s cutting edge Five Arts Centre, the original ‘Baling Talks’ transcripts come to life in the hands of performer-researchers who themselves share conflicting political views – and whose gripping documentary-style questioning refuses to let the audience watch as an impartial bystander.
SPOTLIGHT
*WHILE I WAS WAITING by Omar Abusaada and Mohamed Al Attar (SYR) | Dunstan Playhouse
Performed in Arabic with English surtitles
After crossing one of the security check-points widespread in Damascus, 30-year-old Taim was brutally beaten under mysterious circumstances and is now in a coma. As his family and friends try to make sense of what has happened to him, they are forced to confront painful realities as long-buried secrets and complicated relationships are revealed. On a two-tiered stage, the audience watches Taim’s loved ones gather around his hospital bed, while his spirit simultaneously observes them from above. In joining his voice to theirs, together they attempt to understand the upheaval in their everyday lives.
Taim’s coma is a metaphor for war-ravaged Syria, a country hovering between hope and despair, life and death. Celebrated Syrian playwright Mohammad Al Attar and director Omar Abusaada masterfully humanise a political situation, offering a gripping portrait of ordinary characters facing ordinary problems in a world turned strange and cruel – and in doing so, powerfully connecting Syrian people with the rest of the world.
After crossing one of the security check-points widespread in Damascus, 30-year-old Taim was brutally beaten under mysterious circumstances and is now in a coma. As his family and friends try to make sense of what has happened to him, they are forced to confront painful realities as long-buried secrets and complicated relationships are revealed. On a two-tiered stage, the audience watches Taim’s loved ones gather around his hospital bed, while his spirit simultaneously observes them from above. In joining his voice to theirs, together they attempt to understand the upheaval in their everyday lives.
Taim’s coma is a metaphor for war-ravaged Syria, a country hovering between hope and despair, life and death. Celebrated Syrian playwright Mohammad Al Attar and director Omar Abusaada masterfully humanise a political situation, offering a gripping portrait of ordinary characters facing ordinary problems in a world turned strange and cruel – and in doing so, powerfully connecting Syrian people with the rest of the world.
*Delegates of Borak Arts Series will receive special discounts to selected shows.
20:15 onwards
SOIREE
Post-show Drinks | Odeon Theatre Foyer
08:30 – 09:45
Borak Arts Series Registration
10:00 – 10:25
PROTOCOL
Welcome Remarks
+ Douglas Gautier AM – CEO & Artistic Director, Adelaide Festival Centre (AUS)
+ Dr. Wendy Were – Executive Director, Strategic Development and Advocacy, Australia Council for the Arts (AUS)
+ Brian Johnson Lowe – Co Founder, My Performing Arts Agency (MYS)
+ Dr. Wendy Were – Executive Director, Strategic Development and Advocacy, Australia Council for the Arts (AUS)
+ Brian Johnson Lowe – Co Founder, My Performing Arts Agency (MYS)
10:30 – 10:40
SPOTLIGHT
Opening Performance: Charlie Lim (SGP)
Charlie Lim sculpts a musical narrative so mesmerising that audiences often find them selves rudely jolted back into reality upon its conclusion. This singer-songwriter’s music ranges from post-rock, neosoul to experimental pop and is punctuated by sweet soaring and sometimes melancholic vocals.
10:45 – 11:15
AMPLIFY
Keynote 1 : Nassim Soleimanpour, Artistic Director, Nassim Soleimanpour Productions (IRN/DEU)
Nassim Soleimanpour is from Tehran, Iran. His plays have been translated into more than 30 languages and performed globally in over 50 countries. Best known for his play White Rabbit Red Rabbit, written to travel the world when he couldn’t, his work has been awarded the Dublin Fringe Festival Best New Performance, Summerworks Outstanding New Performance Text Award and The Arches Brick Award (Edinburgh Fringe) as well as picking up nominations for a Total Theatre and Brighton Fringe Pick of Edinburgh Award.
He has facilitated workshops and panels in different events among them include World Theatre Festival (Brisbane), Tolhuistuin (Amsterdam), SESC Vila Mariana (Sao Paulo), DPAC (Kuala Lumpur) and many others. Nassim’s second play Blind Hamlet premiered at The LIFT 2014 and has toured in the UK; while his third play BLANK premiered in Amsterdam, Utrecht and many other countries. His most recent play NASSIM produced by the Bush Theatre, London, and directed by Omar Elerian was premiered in August 2017 and won a Fringe First Award.
Currently based in Berlin, the Iranian playwright is on his world tour with the new self-titled play NASSIM. He also runs his Berlin based company Nassim Soleimanpour Productions as the artistic director.
He has facilitated workshops and panels in different events among them include World Theatre Festival (Brisbane), Tolhuistuin (Amsterdam), SESC Vila Mariana (Sao Paulo), DPAC (Kuala Lumpur) and many others. Nassim’s second play Blind Hamlet premiered at The LIFT 2014 and has toured in the UK; while his third play BLANK premiered in Amsterdam, Utrecht and many other countries. His most recent play NASSIM produced by the Bush Theatre, London, and directed by Omar Elerian was premiered in August 2017 and won a Fringe First Award.
Currently based in Berlin, the Iranian playwright is on his world tour with the new self-titled play NASSIM. He also runs his Berlin based company Nassim Soleimanpour Productions as the artistic director.
11:20 – 11:30
Break
11:40 – 13:00
AMPLIFY
Panel Session 1 : Why Are We Here?
Moderator:
Douglas Gautier AM – CEO & Artistic Director, Adelaide Festival Centre (AUS)
+ Joseph Mitchell – Artistic Director, OzAsia Festival (AUS)
+ Collette Brennan – CEO of Abbotsford Convent (AUS)
+ Joseph Gonzales – Professor at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (MYS)
Douglas Gautier AM – CEO & Artistic Director, Adelaide Festival Centre (AUS)
+ Joseph Mitchell – Artistic Director, OzAsia Festival (AUS)
+ Collette Brennan – CEO of Abbotsford Convent (AUS)
+ Joseph Gonzales – Professor at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (MYS)
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch Break
14:00 – 14:15
SPOTLIGHT
Performance 2: Finding Meaning in an Uncertain World
A project initiated by choreographer Victor Fung (HKG/GBR) in collaboration with dance artist Christina Chan (SGP) and Richard Cilli (AUS).
There is a Chinese saying called 指鹿為馬, which literally translates as “point to a deer and call it a horse”. Traditionally, the term is used as a criticism for those who reverse black and white. Yet increasingly, such appears to be the norm for contemporary existence. In a world of memes and fake news, the ability to fabricate meaning is almost regarded as a skill set essential for survival. Finding Meaning in an Uncertain World explores how meaning can be exploited, distorted and manipulated; who holds the power to what is “true”.
The initial experimentation for this project will be conducted as part of OzAsia Festival’s Dance Lab in the three days leading up to Borak Arts Series 2018.
14:15 – 15:50
CIRCULATE
Roundtable Session 1 : Breaking Barriers Through Information Sharing
Introduction by Govin Ruben – Director, TerryandTheCuz (MYS)
This session put together delegates of the same genres from various countries on the table to learn, discuss and exchange information on key issues. Lead by table moderators, a summarised report back at the end of the session by each table informs the rest of the conference delegates on discussion points.
Tables: Dance | Theatre | Music | Multidisciplinary | Presenters | Intermediaries
This session put together delegates of the same genres from various countries on the table to learn, discuss and exchange information on key issues. Lead by table moderators, a summarised report back at the end of the session by each table informs the rest of the conference delegates on discussion points.
Tables: Dance | Theatre | Music | Multidisciplinary | Presenters | Intermediaries
15:50 – 16:00
ANNOUCEMENTS
Closing of Day 1
16:30 – 18:00
SOIREE
Theatre Network Australia Meet and Greet
Venue: Parasol Lounge, Lucky Dumpling Market, Adelaide Riverbank Lawn
18:00 – 21:00
OPTIONAL
Attend performances at OzAsia Festival
*Delegates of Borak Arts Series will receive special discounts to selected shows.
21:00 – Late
SOIREE
Indonesia Night – Hosted by BEKRAF
Venue: Parasol Lounge, Lucky Dumpling Market, Adelaide Riverbank Lawn
10:00 – 10:30
AMPLIFY
Keynote 2 : Omar Abusaada (SYR)
Omar Abusaada is an independent theatre director living and working in Damascus. Interested in building a politically and socially conscious theater, Abusaada’s work brings together the Syrian dramatic tradition and new practices such as contemporary writing and documentary theater.
10:35 – 10:45
SPOTLIGHT
Performance 3 : Paulo Castro – Hello My Name Is… (AUS/TLS)
Actor Jose De Costa performs an excerpt from a new theatre work directed by Paulo Castro.
Whilst attending an international political conference, a Timor Leste solider reflects on the violence committed prior to independence as his country faces new waves of geopolitical pressure and economic abuse by regional allies and old enemies.
Whilst attending an international political conference, a Timor Leste solider reflects on the violence committed prior to independence as his country faces new waves of geopolitical pressure and economic abuse by regional allies and old enemies.
10:55 – 12:00
ENCOUNTER
Pitchpad Session 1
12:05- 13:05
Lunch Break
13:15 – 14:25
ENCOUNTER
Pitchpad Session 2
14:30 – 15:45
CIRCULATE
Roundtable Session 2: Trends in the Arts, What You Ought To Know.
Introduction by Gaurav Kripalani – Festival Director, Singapore International Festival of Arts (SGP)
Roundtables with joint facilitators discuss critical issues impacting performing arts now. Delegates move between topics that interests them and provide insights based on their experience. A report back at the end of the session of the conversations and statements educates and provides a snapshot of the topic to the delegates.
Tables: Cultural Diversity | Support & Sustenance | Content and Censorship | Political Matters & Policies | Arts & Education | Heritage & Architecture in Arts | Creative Partnerships
Roundtables with joint facilitators discuss critical issues impacting performing arts now. Delegates move between topics that interests them and provide insights based on their experience. A report back at the end of the session of the conversations and statements educates and provides a snapshot of the topic to the delegates.
Tables: Cultural Diversity | Support & Sustenance | Content and Censorship | Political Matters & Policies | Arts & Education | Heritage & Architecture in Arts | Creative Partnerships
15:55 – 16:00
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Closing of Day 2
18:00 – 21:00
OPTIONAL
Attend performances at OzAsia Festival
*Delegates of Borak Arts Series will receive special discounts to selected shows.
21:00
SOIREE
Post Show Networking – Hosted by Australia Council for The Arts
Venue: Parasol Lounge, Lucky Dumpling Market, Adelaide Riverbank Lawn
9:45 – 9:55
SPOTLIGHT
Performance 4 – Topeng Dance by Inu Kertapati (IDN)
Topeng dance is the traditional Indonesian mask dance that draws on iconic characters to convey stories about the human journey. One of Indonesia’s most acclaimed mask dancers, Inu Kertapati demonstrates the intricacies of the Slangit style of topeng dance from the Cirebon region in West Java.
10:00 – 10:55
AMPLIFY
Panel Session 2 : Expanding Horizons Through Collaboration
Highlighting artist and presenters that have been working in and across the Southeast Asian region to discuss the impact of these intercultural work on markets, artistic practise and audiences.
Moderator: Penny Watts – Sr. Programme Coordinator, Merrigong & Illawarra Performing Arts Centre (AUS)
Panelists:
+ Vanini Belarmino – Assistant Director (Programmes), National Gallery Singapore (SGP)
+ Maria Tri Sulistyani – Artistic Director, Papermoon Puppet Theatre (IDN)
+ Sue Giles – Artistic Director/co-CEO, Polyglot Theatre (AUS)
+ Pat Rix – Founder and CEO/Artistic Director, Tutti Arts (AUS)
Moderator: Penny Watts – Sr. Programme Coordinator, Merrigong & Illawarra Performing Arts Centre (AUS)
Panelists:
+ Vanini Belarmino – Assistant Director (Programmes), National Gallery Singapore (SGP)
+ Maria Tri Sulistyani – Artistic Director, Papermoon Puppet Theatre (IDN)
+ Sue Giles – Artistic Director/co-CEO, Polyglot Theatre (AUS)
+ Pat Rix – Founder and CEO/Artistic Director, Tutti Arts (AUS)
11:00 – 11:45
AMPLIFY
Keynote 3 : An Introspective Chat With Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui (BEL)
Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s debut as a choreographer was in 1999 with Andrew Wale’s contemporary musical, Anonymous Society. Since then he has made over 50 full-fledged choreographic pieces and picked up a slew of awards, including two Olivier Awards, three Ballet Tanz awards for best choreographer (2008, 2011, 2017) and the Kairos Prize (2009) for his artistic vision and his quest for intercultural dialogue.
Hosted by Joseph Gonzales
Hosted by Joseph Gonzales
12:00 – 13:00
Lunch Break
13:15 – 14:30
CIRCULATE
One-on-One Meetings with Festival Directors, Presenters & Producers
CIRCULATE
Roundtable Session 3
Introduction by Izan Satrina – Founding CEO, Cultural Economy Development Agency CENDANA (MYS)
An opportunity for delegates to meet enablers that can help extend their work across the South East Asian region.
+ Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)
+ Australia Council For The Arts (AUS)
+ Creative Economy Agency (BEKRAF) (IDN)
+ Cultural Economy Development Agency (CENDANA) (MYS)
+ CultureLink (SGP)
+ Res Artis / On The Move
+ The Mill (AUS)
An opportunity for delegates to meet enablers that can help extend their work across the South East Asian region.
+ Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)
+ Australia Council For The Arts (AUS)
+ Creative Economy Agency (BEKRAF) (IDN)
+ Cultural Economy Development Agency (CENDANA) (MYS)
+ CultureLink (SGP)
+ Res Artis / On The Move
+ The Mill (AUS)
14:30 – 14:40
SPOTLIGHT
Performance 5 – SAtheCollective (SGP) & Zephyr Quartet (AUS)
Two distinct music groups, Adelaide’s Zephyr Quartet and Singapore’s SAtheCollective are both known for their contemporary approaches to classical traditions. Together the two groups will explore the links between both western and Southeast Asian influences as part of a collaborative residency during OzAsia Festival, with an exclusive preview performance at Borak Arts Series.
15:00
End of Borak Arts Series 2018
18:00 – 21:00
OPTIONAL
Attend performances at OzAsia Festival
*Delegates of Borak Arts Series will receive special discounts to selected shows.
DAY 1
1 November 2018
14:00 – 15.50
Venue: Quartet Bar
CIRCULATE (CLOSED SESSION)
ASEF Unplugged: Conversations on the Arts in Asia and Europe
Australia and Southeast Asia Engagement: Trends, Gaps & Opportunities
With Anupama Sekhar, Director (Culture), Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)
In recent years, closer ties between Australia and Southeast Asia have been high on the agenda. How do arts & culture feature in this dialogue? What role for artists, networks and arts organisations? How can long-term alliances based on trust, reciprocity and fair exchange be built between the two sides? The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) invites you to an afternoon of conversation around these questions at the Borak Arts Series 2018.
ASEF Unplugged is a new event series of the Asia-Europe Foundation focusing on informal peer-to-peer conversations on arts, culture and heritage. It responds to the growing demand from conference audiences for more interactive formats that allow for greater engagement of participants beyond being mere receivers of information. ASEF Unplugged was launched in 2018 in Prague, Czech Republic. More about ASEF Unplugged – Czech Republic here.
The ASEAN Secretariat, Australia and these Southeast Asian countries are all members of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) as part of their commitment to multilateral cooperation:
Brunei Darussalam
Cambodia
Indonesia
Lao PDR
Malaysia
Myanmar
Philippines
Singapore
Thailand
Viet Nam
Each ASEM partner participates in the meetings of Heads and State and Government as well as of Ministers of Culture. They also contribute financially to the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) and nominate a member on ASEF’s Board of Governors.