The International Program has been a crucial part of keeping Makhampom alive and kicking over the past 8 years. In particular, the Study Tour, which has seen over 75 visitors, has supported the building of the centre in Chiang Dao and continues to help fund our Community Program. The Study Tour, along with new programs such as the Theatre Lab and International Schools Camps, are also the pathway for interested people to work with Makhampom, while supporting our long-term work.

2007 saw our Chiang Dao centre fully underway and the Studio hosting its first international events. The Study Tour was terrific, with a big group, the Theatre Lab run successfully for the first time, tours of Hong Kong, Korea, and Japan, the hosting of the Theatre Arts exchange of IB students, and several exchanges and collaborations. We also have a team of international volunteers working with us in various, long-term roles

This year, Makhampom will host 2 Study Tours and the Theatre Laboratory, perform at the ASSITEJ Festival in Adelaide, host International Schools Camps, and collaborate with a group of Australian performers. We have also been working with New Circus Asia to explore a circus project in the Chiang Dao communities.

In 2008, the plans are for:
• Attend the Asian Circus Festival in Cambodia, April
• ASSITEJ Festival Adelaide (May 8-18) & Melbourne, Hobart, Perth tour (May 19 – June 2)
• Study Tours run in June 28 – July 14 & December 2 – 17
• Japanese Community Culture Tour (September 1-10)
• Theatre Lab (September 15 – 29)
• International Schools Camps

Having emerged within Thailand ’s non-government organization (NGO) network, Makhampom was maintained relationships with people’s organizations, community development groups, human rights organizations, alternative education institutions and cultural groups throughout its history. Within the last decade, there has been an increasing focus on networking, both local and international, to strengthen and broaden the impact of our work and to develop support to survive.

Makhampom has a strong regional and international presence, particularly with links and networks with people’s theatre groups. Performance tours, festivals, collaborative projects and workshops has taken the group to Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, England, Scotland, Germany and Australia. Makhampom has also hosted volunteers and theatre workers and conducted workshop programs in Thailand from many countries.

Since the introduction of Makhampom Study Tour program, the idea of an extended program to help sustain the organization, while developing techniques, knowledge and experience, has been explored. This has resulted in this multi-layered international program, which will be run from the Makhampom Living Theatre in Chiang Dao but will occur in different parts of Thailand and internationally. Some are established programs, some are extensions of existing programs, and some are entirely new initiatives. The Makhampom Study Tours have brought over 60 participants to Makhampom over the years, the experiences feeding into this more substantial and diverse program.

Makhampom’s international program is designed to provide a basis for financial independence and sustainability while building on the importance of cultural exchange, international solidarity and mutual development. We have a team of internationally recognized performers and facilitators led by Pradit Prasartthong, Pongjit Saphakhun and Richard Barber and strong developing team of volunteers.

These programs are open to the public, locally and internationally, with the potential for developing partnerships or ongoing relationships with programs designed to suit mutual interests. We encourage you to enter the fray and join us in our program of international, intercultural interplay and intervention…………