Busy Day

One of those days where I can't believe how much has happened since I got out of bed, 1 day just seems too short a time!

I'm excited by some of the things that are potentials in the pipeline...will confirm once anything's definite, but in discussions about some guys from here (from Siyaya) taking part in a European festival in a few months time, which would be very cool if it were to work out, and is giving me plenty to think about & schemes and ideas to entertain...

Also today, I attended a meeting someone suggested might be relevant to me and my interests. With that in mind I'd practically invited myself to it and was very graciously welcomed despite that! It did turn out to be right up my street. It was the first boardmeeting of Bambata, an education project, focussed on theatreand set up by Styx Mhlanga and his company, Studio X, to run in his home community 15 mins from Bulawayo City Centre in a more rural area that amongst others things, is without electricity. Styx oversees it, together with Rachel, also from the community, and who recently graduated in Theatre Arts at the University of Zimbabwe. She hasn't yet received her degree certificate (she's been given reasons such as no ink, no paper, staff strikes....you name it) The project sounds great - 2 months of classes on each if the areas of mime, improvisation, movement and now they are just beginning 2 months on text and audition skills.

Fab to take part in detailed discussions of the role of theatre in Zimbabwe and how to take it forward in dynamic and vibrant ways to effect a change and build towards something tangible for the future and for these young people. The project makes a lot of use of visiting teachers - they invite specialists in various areas to take sessions and believe it or not I'm the person leading tomorrows classes! I'm chuffed as I know it's my first real step towards my goal of being involved in seeing theatre and performance (and the skills developed through them) making a tangible, practical difference here but I must admit right now I also feel totally unprepared and inexperienced in teaching drama and acting. I don't think I've ever done it before and so this will be my first time. In the back of my mind I have known that it would be a bridge to cross, but I didn't think I've have such short notice or my offer would be remembered!! Incidentally, a few actors and other people who work in the arts outside of Zimbabwe have expressed interest in my work and to let them know if there would ever be a way to get involved...I think this would be one very obvious way...to share your knowledge, experiences and ideas with this group! Let me know if you fancy doing that! I've no idea how it will go tomorrow, but I'll be sure to put it into words on here once I do know!

Tomorrow is going to be hectic in another way too. When I got home late this evening I had messages from friends in South Africa, Paul and Cathy Middleton. I've known them since I was 18 and living in Lesotho! Paul's a pilot, Cathy a nurse and they work for an outfit called Mercy Air and were calling to say they are likely to be doing a medical evacuation (Medivac) tomorrow from Bulawayo to Cape Town and any chance of a bed tomorrow night. Now of course I feel sorry for the dude in pain, but I'm also delighted at the thought of possibly seeing the Middletons again (we've kept in touch & I've been to stay at Mercy Air twice now) and helping out with lifts from the airport and anything else I can do. Plus I've got a shopping list in, so there's the prospect of supplies by airmail delivery :-)

Tesco direct, Sainsburys-to-you & Ocado 'ain't got NOTHING on that for service!