I am a calm person, who prefers to avoid conflict altogether so, for some, this piece of writing may seem inconsequential. However, I will try to explain why the following incident is relevant to the subject matter of PARTLY GOD.
Only once have I experienced the rush of adrenaline that pumps through veins before acting violently. I was 12 years old and two of my good friends had decided that it was a day to taunt and tease me. I don’t remember the reason for their actions; I don’t remember giving them a reason to do it … I think I was just an easy target and they knew I wouldn’t do much in terms of retaliation.
For some reason, on this day I felt the anger boiling in my blood. I had never before been so overcome with hatred and all of a sudden lost complete control of my usual passive behaviour! Without realising it, my leg shot out from under me and connected with the knee cap of one of my friends.
Her reaction was simply a laugh. I don’t know if it was out of shock or pity but it didn’t seem to bother her that much. I, on the other hand, was distraught. Mostly because I had acted so violently, completely out of character. I think if I were feistier as a person I would have continued to kick her until she cried and I got my point across, but the fact that I felt so bad about kicking her, even though she was initially being abusive, makes me think …
The amount of anger one has to be consumed with in order to act violently is frightening if you consider the brutal acts of violence that happen in our communities every day.
It’s painfully difficult for me to fathom that a human being can be almost entirely consumed by a feeling that one act of violence can affect the lives of many, even millions around them.
A feeling that cannot be classified in any simple terms … just a feeling that stabs us so deeply and creates so much adrenalin that the reaction is instinctively to inflict pain onto another. – Leilah Kirsten, Jazzart trainee
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Faultless opening night performance
The Jazzart company and trainee dancers upped their game again - from dress rehearsal to opening night they drew on a reservoir of energy and strength they probably didn't know they had to produce a premiere that was nothing less than outstanding.
Alfred takes them through a focus exercise before curtain up to concentrate their attention on each other and the performance. They end up in a circle, facing inwards, holding hands while Alfred walks around the outside gently running his hand across their shoulders, connecting them. "Trust what you're doing; believe in it; you've done well," he says.
Alfred instructs them to take their lead for their bows from Chuma , the actress in the role of the protagonist boy child - "Soloists having the most important roles... we don't do that shit," he says. "Take it from Chuma... and you bow... and if you're lucky you'll take another one."
On opening night, they could easily have had a third curtain call. And it's difficult not to single out stellar performances. Chuma slips into her role so naturally it's as though it was made for her. Come to think of it, it probably was. And she looks like a Jazzart dancer in the closing routine!
The mother's solo; the Douglas throughout and especially his pas de deux with Refiloe; the gangsta scene; Shaun; Grant; - all brilliant... gut-wrenching... unforgettable...
Neo's band drives the emotion too; the music penetrates to the core of one's being.
The stark set comes alive with skilled lighting that, as Ina says, makes it look like a movie. "She (Lara) is so clever..." The costumes are simple, earthy and real; the messages exceptionally clear.
It was incredible to see how what was rehearsed in a confined studio space was transformed on stage. The stage was open; there were no wings and people were always visible sitting quietly, walking slowly or moving subtly in the background even if the focus was the action centrestage. The direction required great vision and contributes to what I think is the best production I've seen all year. - Debbie Hathway
Comments from the audience:
"Chuma is so natural she doesn't even look like she's acting."
"Grant looked like a superstar... they all did.
"I loved it."
"It's everything I expect to see in dance theatre."
"I loved the music; I love it when they mix rock with softer stuff."
"The still moments were awesome."
Alfred takes them through a focus exercise before curtain up to concentrate their attention on each other and the performance. They end up in a circle, facing inwards, holding hands while Alfred walks around the outside gently running his hand across their shoulders, connecting them. "Trust what you're doing; believe in it; you've done well," he says.
Alfred instructs them to take their lead for their bows from Chuma , the actress in the role of the protagonist boy child - "Soloists having the most important roles... we don't do that shit," he says. "Take it from Chuma... and you bow... and if you're lucky you'll take another one."
On opening night, they could easily have had a third curtain call. And it's difficult not to single out stellar performances. Chuma slips into her role so naturally it's as though it was made for her. Come to think of it, it probably was. And she looks like a Jazzart dancer in the closing routine!
The mother's solo; the Douglas throughout and especially his pas de deux with Refiloe; the gangsta scene; Shaun; Grant; - all brilliant... gut-wrenching... unforgettable...
Neo's band drives the emotion too; the music penetrates to the core of one's being.
The stark set comes alive with skilled lighting that, as Ina says, makes it look like a movie. "She (Lara) is so clever..." The costumes are simple, earthy and real; the messages exceptionally clear.
It was incredible to see how what was rehearsed in a confined studio space was transformed on stage. The stage was open; there were no wings and people were always visible sitting quietly, walking slowly or moving subtly in the background even if the focus was the action centrestage. The direction required great vision and contributes to what I think is the best production I've seen all year. - Debbie Hathway
Comments from the audience:
"Chuma is so natural she doesn't even look like she's acting."
"Grant looked like a superstar... they all did.
"I loved it."
"It's everything I expect to see in dance theatre."
"I loved the music; I love it when they mix rock with softer stuff."
"The still moments were awesome."
Friday, October 16, 2009
Misunderstanding
The writing his body spoke as he laid there spoke volumes of misunderstanding as he reached at the back of his mouth to find his tongue to explain, to say …
Violence is always looked at through one pair of eyes, the woman’s pair. Men are always seen as the initiators of violence. Men are never the victims, ’cos mos as they say it “boys don’t cry”.
When young boys are molested by their fathers or brothers they have to suck it up and take it like a man, as they say.
How does he find the words?
The words to explain the full event in detail. The words that could help him find the manhood … taken by his blood. − Nkosinathi Sangweni
Violence is always looked at through one pair of eyes, the woman’s pair. Men are always seen as the initiators of violence. Men are never the victims, ’cos mos as they say it “boys don’t cry”.
When young boys are molested by their fathers or brothers they have to suck it up and take it like a man, as they say.
How does he find the words?
The words to explain the full event in detail. The words that could help him find the manhood … taken by his blood. − Nkosinathi Sangweni
Thursday, October 15, 2009
What are you doing to help your child?
“There is a culture of violence in South Africa.” My ears pricked up as I tuned in half way through a Third Degree Plus episode presented by Debora Patta on etv recently.
Violence is a familiar theme on the show. It has featured criminals who become repeat offenders; protests over service delivery in the townships; xenophobic attacks that threaten free trade in the townships; missing and murdered children - the perpetrators are often never found… “A child goes missing every six hours in South Africa. The Western Cape bears the heaviest mantle of shame – it’s where almost half the missing children are from,” states a press release. “Is South Africa failing its children?”
Patta was interviewing a young professor (I didn’t catch his name) who was talking about fractured families … children watching their parents or guardians deal with issues through violence … non-communication … They are also influenced by their peers and the media − violence on TV, in cartoons (Tom & Jerry is a favourite example) and shows like WWF where viewers are warned not to try what they’re doing at home.
He said that bullying among females is increasing right now and to watch out for blue marks or bruises as a sign that a child could be being bullied at school. He encourages parents and teachers to form committees to investigate and stop such incidents but warned that some schools prefer to keep quiet about it. The same goes for people wanting to introduce drug projects at schools – some principals block them because they believe their school does not have a drug problem.
The professor said the constitution protects the child but that parents need to be involved. He said self-esteem was a big thing and a ‘cowboys don’t cry’ culture could hamper progress.
What are you doing to help your child? – Debbie Hathway
Violence is a familiar theme on the show. It has featured criminals who become repeat offenders; protests over service delivery in the townships; xenophobic attacks that threaten free trade in the townships; missing and murdered children - the perpetrators are often never found… “A child goes missing every six hours in South Africa. The Western Cape bears the heaviest mantle of shame – it’s where almost half the missing children are from,” states a press release. “Is South Africa failing its children?”
Patta was interviewing a young professor (I didn’t catch his name) who was talking about fractured families … children watching their parents or guardians deal with issues through violence … non-communication … They are also influenced by their peers and the media − violence on TV, in cartoons (Tom & Jerry is a favourite example) and shows like WWF where viewers are warned not to try what they’re doing at home.
He said that bullying among females is increasing right now and to watch out for blue marks or bruises as a sign that a child could be being bullied at school. He encourages parents and teachers to form committees to investigate and stop such incidents but warned that some schools prefer to keep quiet about it. The same goes for people wanting to introduce drug projects at schools – some principals block them because they believe their school does not have a drug problem.
The professor said the constitution protects the child but that parents need to be involved. He said self-esteem was a big thing and a ‘cowboys don’t cry’ culture could hamper progress.
What are you doing to help your child? – Debbie Hathway
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Overcome …
As someone who has never experienced much violence in her life, I find it very difficult to have an opinion on the subject. I can say, however, that I shy away in the face of it and would rather run or hide in a cupboard as opposed to confronting it.
Whether this is the better reaction to have towards violence is debatable in my opinion ...
On the one hand, running and hiding may be considered cowardly and weak but it also, very simply, does not entail creating more acts of violence. On the other, without necessarily reacting violently, by not facing up to it and dealing with this issue, how do we as communities and a human race overcome these cruel acts of hatred? − Leilah Kirsten, Jazzart trainee
Whether this is the better reaction to have towards violence is debatable in my opinion ...
On the one hand, running and hiding may be considered cowardly and weak but it also, very simply, does not entail creating more acts of violence. On the other, without necessarily reacting violently, by not facing up to it and dealing with this issue, how do we as communities and a human race overcome these cruel acts of hatred? − Leilah Kirsten, Jazzart trainee
Monday, October 12, 2009
Humans’ perception of violence
By Luke de Kock – Jazzart trainee
Violence is nerve-wracking and dangerous, and violence is so strong that people fear what could possibly happen to them if they are victimised by violence.
Violence is evil and dominantly physical. Violence is caused by alcohol, drugs, gangsterism, and the dysfunction of societies.
− 80-year-old woman
Geweld is iets wat niemand is; so gevaarlik dit mag ’n klein argument wees maar dit kan na n’ bloedbad toe lei.
Geweld maak ook dat die gemeenskap in paniek gevangeraak.
Geweld is ooral: op die televisie, in die koerant, jy sien dit waar jy stap, op die skole en universiteit, en in jou huis.
− 46-jarige vrou
Violence is an act of emotion, usually anger. It is a way of expressing emotion that is often uncontrollable and sometimes people do it for no reason or to get approval from peers. Innocent people get hurt unnecessarily by people acting violently.
Violence is blood, dirty, weapons, fire, drugs, and music…
− 13-year-old boy
Violence is nerve-wracking and dangerous, and violence is so strong that people fear what could possibly happen to them if they are victimised by violence.
Violence is evil and dominantly physical. Violence is caused by alcohol, drugs, gangsterism, and the dysfunction of societies.
− 80-year-old woman
Geweld is iets wat niemand is; so gevaarlik dit mag ’n klein argument wees maar dit kan na n’ bloedbad toe lei.
Geweld maak ook dat die gemeenskap in paniek gevangeraak.
Geweld is ooral: op die televisie, in die koerant, jy sien dit waar jy stap, op die skole en universiteit, en in jou huis.
− 46-jarige vrou
Violence is an act of emotion, usually anger. It is a way of expressing emotion that is often uncontrollable and sometimes people do it for no reason or to get approval from peers. Innocent people get hurt unnecessarily by people acting violently.
Violence is blood, dirty, weapons, fire, drugs, and music…
− 13-year-old boy
Saturday, October 10, 2009
The danger of narratives of hate
Narratives passed down verbally as well as emotionally and genetically – transgenerational violence.
I have to pass you my narrative
I’m sorry that it is one of shame
It was passed to me by my father
And before that by his father to him
You can wear it quietly
You can hide it somewhere on your person
You can try to peel it from your skin like an orange
But it will be there and it will be told
It is not yours, but it will become you
It is hungry and it will eat you
And it will kill you
As it has done me
As it has ... done me
I have to pass you my narrative
I’m sorry that it is one of shame
It was passed to me by my father
And before that by his father to him
You can wear it quietly
You can hide it somewhere on your person
You can try to peel it from your skin like an orange
But it will be there and it will be told
It is not yours, but it will become you
It is hungry and it will eat you
And it will kill you
As it has done me
As it has ... done me
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
How do they do it?
They come to Jazzart to learn. They leave as professional dancers ... actors ... athletes ... and so much more. What really sets them apart?
Monday, October 05, 2009
Rehearsal preview
"I'm sure if Lara wasn't working with Jazzart, she wouldn't be doing this right now." Alfred Hinkel addressing a preview audience in the company's rehearsal studios. "The production's at a very delicate point ... by no means finished ... We still have (a few days) in this space; and 1 week on stage." He introduces the main players:
Lara, director.
Neo, composer. "If you can sing, he will be your friend. If you can't, he won't be your friend," says Alfred.
Craig, set designer. A cathedral with a 2-metre ramp on one side. A platform to perch Neo and some band members. Another ramp that ends mid-air, incomplete. Gothic arches, some broken. Looks like it was bombed in WWII. In the background, a Coca-Cola billboard. "The Coca-Cola generation drives me mad ... American multicorporations watched Africans sell their souls," says Craig.
Asanda, Lara's assistant.
Prosper, from Zimbabwe, assistant stage manager. "If he smiles, you can see him," says Alfred.
Benny, lighting.
Tony, sound.
John, Sbo, Ina, Jackie, Ananda; the raft of choreographers.
We can feel the floorboards move underfoot as dancers thunder through some aggressive gangsta sequences. Bodies shrink backwards as this time it looks like they're sure to land on our laps. Dancers hurl themselves at a net strung from the ceiling. Fearless. Up and over; under. Crossing borders. We cringe as we wonder if, when Refiloe somersaults in that net being held taut by the entire company, she'll land safely. It's so intense we leave with headaches, feeling drained, emotional, speechless, awestruck.
"It's going to look stunning on stage ... one of the best of recent times." - Gregg
"It's nice to see so much masculine energy for a change." - Owen
"I didn't like the whities. What are they doing there?" - Glenda
"See you at the opening!" - Mandy
Lara, director.
Neo, composer. "If you can sing, he will be your friend. If you can't, he won't be your friend," says Alfred.
Craig, set designer. A cathedral with a 2-metre ramp on one side. A platform to perch Neo and some band members. Another ramp that ends mid-air, incomplete. Gothic arches, some broken. Looks like it was bombed in WWII. In the background, a Coca-Cola billboard. "The Coca-Cola generation drives me mad ... American multicorporations watched Africans sell their souls," says Craig.
Asanda, Lara's assistant.
Prosper, from Zimbabwe, assistant stage manager. "If he smiles, you can see him," says Alfred.
Benny, lighting.
Tony, sound.
John, Sbo, Ina, Jackie, Ananda; the raft of choreographers.
We can feel the floorboards move underfoot as dancers thunder through some aggressive gangsta sequences. Bodies shrink backwards as this time it looks like they're sure to land on our laps. Dancers hurl themselves at a net strung from the ceiling. Fearless. Up and over; under. Crossing borders. We cringe as we wonder if, when Refiloe somersaults in that net being held taut by the entire company, she'll land safely. It's so intense we leave with headaches, feeling drained, emotional, speechless, awestruck.
"It's going to look stunning on stage ... one of the best of recent times." - Gregg
"It's nice to see so much masculine energy for a change." - Owen
"I didn't like the whities. What are they doing there?" - Glenda
"See you at the opening!" - Mandy
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