𝐀𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐚𝐰𝐚 𝐓𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠

Dawa Tshering, an instructor at Black Box Theatre since its 2021 inception under the Ministry of Education, honed his skills in Performing and Theatre Arts post high school. His passion for the craft drove him to contribute significantly to Black Box Theatre’s mission, fostering talent and promoting performing arts within the realm of education and skills development.

Q: What is the Black Box Theatre?
A: Firstly, I express my gratitude to Bhutan Today for inviting me to the program. Black Box Theatre is an international form of theatre that has recently made its way to Bhutan. To simplify, it bears resemblance to traditional drama. To delve further into the specifics of the Black Box Theatre, the practice space is enveloped by a black-clothed background, creating a unique atmosphere. Here, our primary focus is on acting, allowing performers to explore their craft in an intimate and immersive setting.

Q: Since when and under whose supervision was it initiated?
A: The initiation of Black Box Theatre dates back to the year 2021, under the supervision of the Ministry of Education and Skill Development. The primary objective was to impart skills and training to unemployed youths. This initiative aimed to not only provide a platform for artistic expression but also to equip the younger generation with valuable skills, fostering both personal development and potential employment opportunities.

Q: As an instructor, where did you receive your training in theatre and performing arts?
A: Actually, I have been passionate about theatre arts and acting since childhood. After completing high school, I was actively searching for a job when the Ministry of Labor and Human Resources announced a three-month-long skill training program for theatre arts, led by instructor Charmi Cheda. I participated in the program, and following an interview upon completion, I was selected as an instructor at the Black Box Theatre.

Q: How does Black Box Theatre contribute to promoting and preserving our culture and traditions?
A: Talking about our culture and traditions, the Black Box Theatre plays a crucial role in showcasing our cultural richness. Unlike some other forms of entertainment, it allows us to present the essence of our traditions and values in a unique way. Think about watching movies from other countries, like Korean ones. After watching, we get to know about their clothes, places, and how they live. Similarly, in plays or dramas, it’s hard to show our country’s landscapes, but we can easily display our traditional clothes and language. Plus, by telling stories from our past, like Grab Lungi Khorlo, the tale of Lam Drukpa Kuenley, we can share our traditions with people from other parts of the world. This helps them understand and appreciate our unique Bhutanese culture.

Q: what are the differences between the Bhutan Film Association and the Black Box Theatre?
A: When comparing the Bhutan Film Association to the Black Box Theatre, significant differences emerge. Whether considering the size of the association or our outreach to the public, they are significantly ahead of us. Setting aside the Bhutan Film Association and focusing on the distinctions between film and Black Box Theatre, a fundamental difference lies in the approach to scenes. In filmmaking, scenes often involve multiple retakes, whereas in the Black Box Theatre, the entire scene is executed in a single take. Additionally, they benefit from numerous supporters and sponsors, whereas we, being in our initial stages, have limited support.

Q: Could you share some differences between Black Box Theatre in Bhutan and Black Box Theatre in other countries?
A: In fact, there is no actual theatre named Black Box Theatre in western countries; it’s simply a name. When comparing the theatre scene in Bhutan to that in some other developed countries, we observe significant differences. Whether in terms of lighting, halls, or other equipment, they are miles ahead of us. The reason that strikes me is that, being in the initial stages, we are behind them, and it’s just a matter of time. We are hoping and working hard to reach that benchmark.

Q: From its initiation until today, what achievements has Black Box Theatre accomplished?
A: I don’t exactly know how others perceive it, but within the Black Box Theatre family, we feel a consistent sense of improvement each day. In terms of achievements, we’ve been fortunate to perform for notable figures like Her Majesty the Royal Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck at a trade show organized by the Tarayana Foundation, as well as for Gyalwang Dhokhampa Rinpochoe and Kathu Sithu Rinpochoe. Participating in VTOB’s program earned us cash prizes, and we also reached the top 10 in Multi Talent of Drukyul. Additionally, we secured a project from UNICEF with some funding. Among these accomplishments, the most significant was performing for a large audience during the Build-Up Program at Clock Tower for the 116th National Day and in front of the King, Queen, and Royal family during tokha on December 18, 2023.

Q: What challenges is Black Box Theatre facing?
A: Talking about challenges, as an instructor, being young sometimes makes it a bit awkward when teaching students older than me. But, we manage to keep a good teacher-student relationship. On a larger scale, while we get support from students’ families, some students quit because they think there’s not much opportunity for theater in Bhutan. It’s not their fault; theater is new here, and we have limited resources like small practice spaces and not enough equipment, making it a bit tough for us.

Q: What support do you expect from the general public?
A: In reality, we’ve received tremendous support from the public. Take, for instance, the act we performed at Clock Tower – the positive comments and appreciation from the people have been overwhelming. It’s crucial to acknowledge the government’s support; they played a significant role in establishing Black Box Theatre in Bhutan, even providing stipends to trainees, considering the challenges faced by unemployed youths. Nonetheless, we would greatly appreciate it if the government could provide us with a more suitable space – a larger hall and additional equipment. This would enable us to reach a broader audience, inspiring more young individuals to engage with and sustain themselves through the art of theatre.”

Q: As an instructor, what plans do you have for the future of theatre in Bhutan?
A: Let me liken Black Box Theatre to the bud of a flower. Currently, we are a bud, and we can’t be certain whether that bud will blossom into a beautiful flower. However, we are nurturing it well, with the aim of seeing it bloom into something beautiful. Additionally, we plan to produce dramas based on Namthar (Religious tales) for the general public. Notably, we will stage performances for students to help them better understand Gyelsay Laglen and Shayting. I believe showcasing the life of Gembo Phagpa Ludrup through drama will provide them with valuable insights. Eventually, we aspire to perform outside Bhutan to share the untold stories of our country.

Message:
“I don’t have much more to say, but the general public and the government have consistently provided immense support to youths in various fields, and I urge them to continue this support. Being a youth myself, I understand the challenges we face, and sometimes, it feels like the work I am doing may not be enough. However, giving up is never the only option. There might be youths interested in acting, and the door at Black Box Theatre is always open for everyone. Let’s come together to fulfill the mission of Black Box Theatre collectively.”