Missoula Children’s Theatre Executive Director Mike Morelli recently traveled to Brunei, a small nation located on the northern coast of Borneo in Southeast Asia, to participate in the Brunei Creative Arts Network (BCAN) conference. This opportunity, made possible through a reciprocal exchange proposal by Step One Theatre, and supported by the US State Department, American Councils, the Young Southeast Asia Leadership Initiative, (YSEALI) and the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana, underscored the power of international collaboration in the arts. Morelli’s presence at the conference and his interaction with Brunei’s vibrant creative community demonstrated MCT’s ongoing mission to develop life skills through participation in the arts on a global scale.
This cultural exchange began when Insan Mardini, an experienced director from Brunei, visited MCT last spring to deepen his passion for theatre. That visit sparked Morelli’s enthusiasm for further cultural collaboration, ultimately leading to his participation in the BCAN conference.
During his time in Brunei, Morelli led a masterclass at the University of Brunei Darussalam, engaging students and faculty in entertainment management principles he has refined over the years and shared Missoula Children’s Theatre mission and values to a brand-new audience. As both a conference presenter and participant, he also attended dance workshops and networking events that connected him with artists, educators, and cultural leaders from around the world. His journey was not only about sharing knowledge but also about learning from Brunei’s rich artistic traditions. He went to Malay-language workshops, ate traditional cuisine like Abuyet (the national dish of Brunei), and hiked through the jungle to Tasek Lama Falls where he had an encounter with a group of monkeys! Overall, Morelli embraced every aspect of this immersive experience.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the trip was witnessing the impact of theatre on young performers in Brunei. Morelli had the privilege of watching rehearsals for a school production of Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Monkeys, an initiative by Step One Theatre that brings theatre directly into the classrooms, a value that MCT has championed for decades. The conference’s final day coincided with Brunei’s National Day, allowing Morelli to partake in the country’s vibrant celebrations and deepen his appreciation for the cultural exchange.
Morelli’s journey to Brunei was just another testament to the impact of MCT’s work worldwide, made possible in part by the generosity of Spotlight Society members. As a dedicated member himself, Morelli’s recurring support helps create transformative experiences like this cultural exchange, ensuring that theatre continues to bridge cultures, foster lifelong learning, and build meaningful connections across the globe. His involvement underscores how the commitment of spotlight Society members directly fuels MCT’s mission, bringing theatre and life skills to communities far and wide!
