Earlier this year one of the Irish ALF members Cliodhna Noonan not only travelled and participated in a cross network exchange with partners from Morocco, Luxembourg, Tunisia, France, Belgium and Spain - they travelled to Cuba last May as part of their work in a Dublin-based grassroots arts centre Axis Ballymun. Cliodha shared her experiences of performing a puppet show aimed at early years - Trolland - a story of leadership and election tactics. A great way to connect with teenagers in Cuba studying puppetry at El Arca Teatro Museo de Títeres. Trolland is supported by Axis Ballymun and travel to Cuba by Culture Ireland.
Read Cliodhna's blog post here The Growth of the Early Years Sector in Ireland – An Independent Artist Account and below in a short excerpt:
"I have just returned from the ASSITEJ International World Congress and Festival in Cuba. My participation was supported by Culture Ireland. On my return, it struck me how much this community of artists and producers, researchers and journalists, has affected my life’s journey to date. Parallel to my own journey, I have witnessed huge developments in our national policies and strategies in Ireland relating to theatre and performing arts for young audiences in particular. Sometimes, as an exclusively early years artist and event organiser, and operating within the restricted framework of being a “sole trader”, it is easy to feel like an imposter in the field. However, after this latest incredible and affirming experience in Cuba, I encourage any small scale or individual operator to become involved, to look, listen and learn, to bring back expertise and knowledge to your place of work and to reach more and more children in the communities in which we live and breathe, creating a better future for all on our planet."