Prepare for Take-Off

Performing arts festival reveals hidden talent

The Take-Off Festival is back for its second year and looking for new projects to be staged at Thonglor Arts Space. The festival welcomes recent graduates in art and performing arts to show the public what they’ve got.

Four productions — a theatre, physical theatre, dance and multimedia performance — will be selected to be staged at Thonglor Arts Space in September. Finalists will also meet the artists who participated in 2014’s festival and join a special workshop with veteran artists from small theatre groups.

Guru speaks with Jarunan Phuntachat, the project’s founder and artistic director, about this year’s festival.

What is the objective of this project?

We want to showcase to the public thesis productions by art graduates. The project helps provide a space for small theatres and new performers. There are not many art graduates working in the performance industry because there aren’t many opportunities for them. A lot of them have to abandon their dreams and their skills. That’s why we decided to create this project.

What kind of feedback did you receive last year?

Last year was the first festival, so it generated quite a buzz in the performing arts scene. The audience last year was mostly friends and family of those performing, but they are ready to support the participants this year, too. It’s very exciting.

What will participants gain from the experience?

I can’t really promise what they will get out of this experience, but one thing for sure is they will be given an opportunity to do what they love. It’s not just a oneoff thing either, because they will discover the reality of the performing arts industry and see if it’s really something they want to do. They can also benefit from the feedback from such a diverse audience.

How will this edition of the festival be different from the first?

The qualifying teams will have a chance to learn from producers, directors and artists from the previous year. At least, they will get to make good connections and expand their horizons. This will help them in the future.

What types of talent are you looking for?

I believe there are many talented artists out there hidden in the dark. Skills are important, but so are connections. We are looking for those who know what to say, but don’t know where to say it. We’re also trying to support those outside Bangkok, if they apply.

Do you feel there’s enough support for performing arts in Bangkok?

There’s never enough! There is no network to support art, much less performing arts. Small theatres survive solely because of their audiences. We’re lucky to have support from Thonglor Art Space this year, but we’d love the government and private sector to offer more support.