ASAWA CIRCLE: With Childcare

"Women often tell me they gave up art to fully dedicate themselves to family, or gave up family to become artists. I wondered: should I marry, have children, pursue professional art, or teach? What if I gave up marriage and family for a career and ended up an average artist, or gave up my career for family and my marriage fell apart? I decided to try everything: marriage, children, teaching, art, and gardening. Forty-four years later, my husband still loves me, our children are our best friends and live just a few blocks away, we see our grandchildren often, and I'm busier than ever. But I haven't made a living from it yet."

Ruth Asawa, 1993

The ASAWA CIRCLE is an advisory circle that directly builds on the participatory theatre installation of the same name. It draws from the life and work of American-Japanese sculptor Ruth Asawa and her effort to fully integrate art, care, education, and community engagement.

The circle is for mothers, fathers, and all caregivers - artists and non-artists alike. It is based on conscious listening and authentic speaking without judgment. We return to the roots of performativity, to live encounter and sharing in the present moment. We seek answers to the question of how to balance creative work, employment, and personal needs with caring for others, without losing ourselves in the process. Throughout the evening, participants naturally engage in a series of situations and activities. The circle aims to be the possible beginning of an open and regularly meeting community.

Creative team: Lenka Jabůrková, Johana Střížková, Apolena Vanišová
Facilitator: Jolana Teuberová
Producer: Loutky bez hranic
Production: artodo

Practical information:
- The advisory circle itself is exclusively for adults to ensure a safe and undisturbed space for sharing. Throughout the programme, your children can be cared for free by facilitators from the Parent-Friendly Culture initiative.
- Arrange childcare by filling out a short form.