Mozambique

Am writing this over 10days into our creative bootcamp with The Hothaus in Mozambique.  (don't know when I'll be able to post it as the internet connection hasn't been very strong.)  I didn't manage to write from the 2 day (and 2000km) journey to get here, however it was largely uneventful - in a good way!  We set off a day late, due to a couple of complications, but then all went well and we crossed the border fine.

Early morning repack by the side of the road - we travelled hours without seeing another vehicle 

There's something about crossing a national boundary that is always interesting. I've crossed many in my time and always notice it. Especially when it's into a country you're visiting for the first time as this was for me. 

Scenes from the 2000km journey

Immediately it's different in terms of language and buildings. More colourful than Zimbabwe too. We stayed the night at the Pink Papaya Lodge in Chimoio. 10 of us in a dorm on bunk beds (as you do). Mine was especially rickety but fortunately, no unfortunate incident there, although the 4am departure was delayed due to one guy needing to leave a note explaining that the collapse of his bunk (luckily a bottom one!) genuinely wasn't due to anything he did!

After a 15hr drive where you definitely felt you were getting increasingly more and more remote we finally arrived at Quelimane and from there were met and followed the route to Zalala Beach Lodge. It's about 45km through coconut plantations and feels pretty remote. 

From our base at Zalala Beach Lodge, the nearest village is 3 km away (where for the first 10 days we have had most of our meals) and is a traditional rural village. I realise it's been a long time since I spent time in a more rural environment. It's good for me!

Hothaus Girls on arrival

Food has been alternate traditional meals of rice, sadza, beans or potatoes with chicken or fish. A personal high has been the occasions we've had fresh prawns – normally for breakfast and accompanied by a coconut. I've just eaten my first fresh coconut – and discovered it's not milk but water inside. That was a discovery I made once I'd (finally) managed to break into it!

The ladies who cook for us with our (v fresh!) lunch

So this is all fuel for the work.

So far, we've been working hard in various ways, working out and warming up with many dances, games and songs. We've done karate on the beach, then exercises in impro and dance etc. We've been swopping stories and using those as a basis for devising new material. It's interesting what themes have emerged and also what an intense, focused work-time can do.

Our work-space base for the first 10 days' work

Working on a particular exercise 

Within this environment I'm reminded just how much talent there is in our group.  Watching actors try out new ideas, especially physicalities as we work to divise a non-verbal language and  dialogue, and seeing the results as new characters and voices emerge has been great.

In terms of the potential we have, it seems we're just getting started.  For this reason it's great to have a concerted opportunity to devise and experiment and see where it leads us.

Movement Music on the beach at dusk!

Transitioning & Transiting

Here I am, writing from the Mozambican Embassy in Harare. I'm waiting for my passport to get a visa to enter Mozambique. I could probably get one at the border, however what with travelling as a group and being the only Brit in need of visa, we thought best to do in advance. I had communications with the embassy by phone and travelled up from Bulawayo this morning. I gather normally it takes 24hrs to process, however by phone the representative offered to turn it around within a couple of hours given I was driving up from Bulawayo. Then when I arrived just before 1pm, I discovered they normally close for visa sumissions at 12pm. Nevertheless they let me go ahead and submit for a 90min turnaround. From what I've seen of Mozambique (and Mozambican's) so far, they're kind! And I haven't yet set foot over the border...

Chatting with the desk manager about my trip, he seemed interested that I'm travelling with a theatre group to experience and share Mozambican culture and creativity. Then he insisted I meet “Mozambique's ambassador to Bulawayo” a dignified elderly man who has lived in Mpopoma in Bulawayo since 1949! Again the prospect of our trip seemed to to trigger the imagination (and some wise nodding of the head). Whatever this is...it's an adventure! 6 hours til our scheduled departure on our 2 day and 2,000km, journey by road (on a bus) to Zalala Beach Lodge, on the outskirts of Supinho, a small fishing village, approximately 40kms north of Quelimane, the provincial capital on the central northern coast of Mozambique.

We'll be devising and experimenting with new material as a group, and also interacting with those around us in local communities using performance and theatre.

Today was spent frustratingly chasing different errands, all of which seemed to end fruitlessly. I forget how it can be... But then, the gang from Bulawayo arrived into Harare armed with provisions and solidarity and warmth and I felt suddenly better. And part of a team, I guess.

So I find I'm off to a new country for 3 weeks. I've only been back in Bulawayo 3 weeks and all the comings and goings, leavings and arrivings can be unsettling. I even researched 'culture shock' to find out some of the facts to what I was experiencing. It's a funny one – largely characterised by chronic overuse of the word 'different' (in my experience!) and not being quite sure where you 'are' exactly.

More soon. Maybe even from the bus!

Day One of Life

One day old: Michelle with her baby girl

It's been a good day.  Amazing privilege to have been there during someone's first full day on planet earth and to be alongside while someone takes their first steps into motherhood.  Michelle's baby was born yesterday afternoon at Central Hospital, Bulawayo.  She's little, weighing 2.4kg/5lb 3oz and beautiful.

I visited this morning to take some breakfast in for her and I climbed the (very worn out) staircase to the second floor.  In doing so, I passed several delivery rooms and caught sight of many women in the wards holding bundles in blankets.  I entered room number 2 and as I scanned it, working out which bed to cross to, I heard 'Aunty Izzy!' which helped no end!  First I checked how Michelle was doing, which seemed amazingly well.  She looked very peaceful and seemed strong.  Then I met the newborn.  She's tiny! Especially in relation to the large blanket she was in. 

I went back later to collect them both and bring them home.  That time as I was walking along the corridor a door opened ahead of me and a nurse came through holding a baby out in front of her - literally just delivered.  The door was still half open as I passed showing a glimpse of the mother.  The starkness of being so close to life beginning wasn't lost on me.  I realised possibly even the mother hadn't yet seen that baby! I was one of the first people to set eyes on a unique new person.  Everything seemed a lot more immediate and in your face (literally) in that maternity ward.

Throughout the day I took some photo's for Michelle to remember her daughter's first hours.  Here are a few of those:

Michelle

Too long since I last updated. But here's one piece of news. Last night Michelle, one of the girls living at the Precious Life farm, arrived to stay with us. Aged 15, she is 9mths pregnant and her due date is almost here. I've known Michelle for the last four months and she hasn't been exactly over the moon about being pregnant. For starters the pregnancy is the result of a rape. In fact for most of the pregnancy she intended to give the baby up for adoption. Agnes Kwenda (PLF founder) has been supporting and encouraging her to attend sessions with a trained counsellor while part of Precious Life. 

I saw Michelle on Monday, during my regular weekly visit to the farm and then it was great to welcome her to ours last night. Nomsa helped her settle in. Agnes asked me to get a nice photo of her that we could use to make a start on a baby album.  Unfortunately I missed the boat on that one, and less than 12hrs later she went into labour and is currently at the hospital with regular, close contractions.  We wait to hear news and then to bring her and the baby home to be with us for 6 weeks or so.  The first few hours and days will be vital in terms of Michelle's decision whether she wishes to keep the baby or whether she wishes to see him/her adopted.  Together we hope to support her in whatever decision she makes.  I just hope and pray for these first few hours of this new little person's life which I am sure will play a huge part in his/her future.  In particular if & how Michelle bonds with the baby.  

Once again it's got me thinking about the importance and privilege of being there alongside people as they face tough choices and difficult dilemmas.  It's not for us to decide but I think there is a role to play in supporting and trying to show them they are not completely alone.  I have two other friends also due to have their first babies any time now.  Each of them, incredibly unique and precious. 

Will update again soon...

Toshiba You Magazine Article

Back in February I posted some photos I had taken and then sent to computer company Toshiba.  I sent a short story about what one of their laptops gets used for after watching the girls at the Precious Life farm enjoying cartoons on my laptop.  It made me think how everyday, ordinary things can be used to be part of something larger and positive and that there's a story in it.  

They asked if they could run something on it in their magazine.  Various email and Skype communications later, this article is in the May edition of Toshiba's YOU magazine.  In exchange they have agreed to donate a laptop which is great news.

Sewing At PLF

In February the ladies at the Precious Life Farm started on a longer-term sewing project in partnership with Sibo, a lovely lady who lives on the neighbouring farm.  Sibo's a skilled seamstress and is happy to hold sewing sessions with the PL ladies twice a week round her dining table.  

Sibo leading the first lesson

She's put together a lesson plan with the aim that within a few months everyone will have built up a range of sewing skills and will have made two garments - one by hand and one by machine - using what they've learned.  

A demo on the embroidery machine

I was there for the first few weeks where we started with some basics and made pin-cushions and bags.  I'm excited to see where the group will be up to by the time I get back from Harare in a few weeks time - I imagine they will have long overtaken me! 

One Thursday some friends, Amy and Bella, were visiting Bulawayo and joined our session.  Amy had brought some lovely fabrics with her which everyone enjoyed using.    

Thanks also to Femina Garments in Bulawayo and to the fabric shops in Bulawayo who have donated offcuts and fabric to PLF for this project.  We appreciate it!

Theatre in the Park Harare: The Gospel of Othello

Last night The Gospel of Othello previewed at The Theatre in the Park, Harare Gardens, in front of an audience of theatre critics, Zimbabwean press and other invited guests.  Tonight the run opens to the general public.  The article below is reproduced from the Zimbabwe Independent's article about the show (follow link for the original article).  Similar articles also appeared in The Zimbabwean and The Herald newspapers.  Click these links to view those articles.

The Gospel of Gospel of Othello, a new version of Shakespeare's classic play Othello, premières at Theatre in the Park next Tuesday.


In Zimbabwe the play was first staged at Solusi University during the annual Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo last year, and also featured at the Harare International Festival of the Arts.  

The fast paced Afro-centric play is infused with African songs, dance and poetry in its quest to interrogate Shakespeare’s portrayal of Africa, its peoples and culture.  It also seeks to address the major themes of racism, stereotyping, deceit and hatred, juxtaposing Europe in the Elizabethan period and life in Africa today.  

The play was conceptualised by Patrice Naimbana, a theatre veteran from Sierra Leone who is currently based in the UK. The cast and production team features local and international actors.  Tafadzwa Bob Mutumbi plays Othello, while Londoner Isabel Tredinnick features as Desdemona. Veteran theatre practitioner Eunice Tava co-directed the play.  

The Gospel of Othello has been staged in the UK, South Africa, Canada and Zimbabwe by professional and emerging artists. It is a project established as community theatre for development with an African perspective.  It is a story about African women that bear the pain of the absence of sons and daugh­ters that leave for far­away lands in search of greener pastures. The love between the ‘Black Oth­ello’ and the beau­ti­ful Ital­ian Des­de­mona tran­scends all bar­ri­ers but this is not enough to avert a tragic train of events.  

The play high­lights the predica­ment of exile in Shakespeare’s story of love and betrayal.  Per­formed in a mix­ture of Shona, Nde­bele, and Shake­spear­ian verse, The Gospel of Oth­ello offers a fresh portrayal Othello.  Besides Mutumbi and Tredin­nick other actors in the play are Mhondiwa Mhepo who plays Iago, Zanele Maseko (Emilia), Shelton Mpofu (Cassio), Brenda Jeranje (Bianca), Pamela Gonye (Modiba), Rejoice Simango (Kiara) and Josphat Ndlovu who features in two roles as as Brabantio and Griot.  Meanwhile the Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa), to be held from May 1 - 6, is set to offer a diverse theatre programme.

In Pictures: The Gospel of Othello

Pictures taken during the September 2011 run in Bulawayo.  

Photos by Oria Mambira

The Gospel of Othello is currently in Harare for upcoming shows including a Gala performance at the British Ambassador's residence on 29th March, The Alliance Francaise on 26th March and an early April run at Theatre in the Park.  Further performances to be announced. 

The Hothaus crew will be in rehearsals for new shows to be premièred at The Harare International Arts Festival 2012.

Watch this space for more info!

Will it?

I remember this ad from when I was a teenager.  I used a postcard of it as a bookmark.  I don't really like the perfume, but the slogan stuck with me.  Every so often it comes to mind and I still find the concept inspiring.  

One day tenderness will move the world.

'Tenderness' isn't a word you hear very often, it's somehow seems an old-fashioned term along with 'kindness', 'gentleness', 'goodness' etc.  But I enjoy being reminded and provoked to ponder it, sometimes I think a bit of tenderness would go a long way! 

I wonder to what extent the slogan is true?

Homelife

Just after Christmas 2011 two young women, Princess and Nomsa, came to live with us, together with their 2 year old daughters, Luba and Tanna.  We knew them from The Precious Life Foundation and previously they lived at the PLF farm.  

An image from the HOPE series of Tanna (left) & Luba (right) outside my workshop

They are with us to learn new skills and gain experience in a variety of areas including practical and domestic skills such as cooking, budgeting, time management and social skills, for example, English language learning.  Princess is also studying at night-school four nights a week to get some O-Level qualifications.  We're trying to help each think through some goals and objectives for the future and identify how to reach those.  We try and support that process and it needs each party committed and contributing to the process.  Over the last 10 weeks it's been good to get to know them and we've got into a routine of sharing lives and muddling through!  Above all it's relational.  I'm learning too in the process, whether how best to advise and mentor, or what does and doesn't work best in various scenarios.  Sometimes it can seem slightly overwhelming, being responsible in this way, but then I remember I am not on my own in this.  We just do the best we can with what we have. 

Celebrating Nomsa's Birthday in February

So tonight I picked up a prostitute...

...And I also dropped her home again.  Technically 100% accurate, if perhaps in need of some further clarification!  

Here's the thing.  Basically, a few nights ago a friend of mine was at the bus terminus waiting to collect someone from the bus when he was propositioned by a prostitute.  For some reason (perhaps caught a little off-guard?!) when asked 'are you looking for a good time tonight?' he replied something along the lines of: 'you know, I'm looking for so much more in life than just  fleeting moments of gratification!' Which I guess is possibly not your standard brush-off  and perhaps slightly more than she bargained for!  On realisation that she'd picked a non-starter, you could expect the lady might move her attention elsewhere, however she was a little  intrigued and there followed further conversation.  At the end of it he took her number, not for professional purposes, he did stress!  Soon after, I heard of this exchange and felt really struck by the story.  I knew he had mentioned that a small group of us meet regularly to explore together what it means to be loved by and special to God and to unpack this with relevance to our lives.  I know he said that if she was interested in that kind of thing, we could make a plan to collect and drop her so that she could come along.   If she ever wanted to.  And apparently, she seemed quite interested in that.  I'd been thinking about it and so yesterday I rang her and introduced myself and we made arrangements for today.  We set up a meeting place (in hindsight, rush hour at a busy bus terminus wasn't the simplest way to find each other!) but we made it and then we'd a good evening talking over dinner with some others.  We chatted and looked at the bible a bit, and then at the end as we drove home, she asked if she could join us again this coming Sunday.  We talked in the car, she asked what I do and so as well as talking about theatre and arts things, I told her about The Precious Life Foundation, how in various ways it supports girls who are vulnerable (for whatever reason) based on the conviction of their great value and worth.  I added how I really enjoy spending time with them and that they're very special.  'Come to think of it,' I said, 'you are also really special and very precious too'.  I really meant it.  I think I also told her that!  Once home, she invited me in briefly, as she'd asked me to take a copy of her CV, just in case I hear of anything that could suit her.  And it's all settled, I'll see her again on Sunday.  I have to - she's borrowed my bible!

Project Hope

Rooftop Hope

Over the last few weeks I've started looking photographically and visually at the theme of Hope in my community and surroundings. The approach is twofold. Firstly I want to capture sources and places of hope that already exist, especially if perhaps they aren't always recognised as such. The second aim is to actively instigate and generate hope. I realise this second objective is quite a tall (and potentially arrogant!) order to set, but I really believe in it. 

Hope in a truck

So far the approach has been a literal one. I'm seeking to quite literally put the word HOPE into the mix around the place. So I'm setting off armed with a set of wooden letters that someone kindly carved for me for this exact purpose and I'm placing them around Bulawayo and photographing them in situ. There's something about actually seeing places in Bulawayo physically alongside, or through, the letters of the word HOPE that is exciting and encouraging. And while the idea is not necessarily ground-breaking (or especially subtle!) in approach, I'm finding getting on and doing it with fun and boldness to be a positive experience. More importantly of course it's the symbolism of the gesture that is meaningful.

In terms of how to achieve this second objective, the basic moto is the more creative the better! And I'm very much in the opening stages – I know there's plenty more creative ways to demonstrate and capture hope which I want to try out for myself but more importantly see others doing too.

Hope Over Bulawayo

Fabric of Hope

The bigger picture is that this be a truly collaborative endeavour and journey. So I'm getting the ball rolling myself so that it's not just theory I talk of, and I'm sharing with people who also carry and see the vision of a Bulawayo full of Hope. And in time I hope that it will also be something that others, who don't necessarily share that view at the moment,  can also engage and experiment with. And who knows what that may look like!

Add caption

These are some of the first images in the series that I have shot for the project.