Narrative Stage/Foodways
Because of the many cross-cutting and interactive themes that will characterize the Bhutan program at the 2008 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, the Narrative Stage will provide a venue for lively discussion and hands-on demonstrations with participants and other persons knowledgeable about the life and history of Bhutan. In particular, the Narrative Stage will be a place for Festival participants and visitors to explore and discuss the Bhutanese concept of "Gross National Happiness" (an overarching theme of the Bhutan program), and its relevance to contemporary U.S. society and other places outside the Kingdom.
Since the Festival is intended to be as experiential as possible, cooking demonstrations and conversations about Bhutanese foodways will also take place. This is an important aspect of contemporary culture and gives insight into home and farm life.
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