Siyaya Gets Around!

Very surreal (but wonderful) to walk along Brook Street in London at 8pm last night and hear the feelgood strains of music associated with Makokoba, Bulawayo (and no, it wasn't simply I had my ipod on!) Siyaya again prove how world-class they are by delivering brilliant entertainment during a glamorous benefit dinner at Claridges in London in aid of Zimbabwe.  They definitely warmed up a chilly February night in London with some warm Zimbabwean vibes! 

It was surreal to travel the next day in a packed rush-hour tube surrounded on all sides by people reading The Evening Standard with this in it.  Wonder at the response had I told them the night before these 3 crashed on my bedroom floor for the night...!?!! 

Photo in The Times yesterday

Zambezi Express

A selection of stills from the production Zambezi Express taken at the Bulawayo Theatre during a two week run of the show, March 2010.  Due to popular demand the show returned for a second run in June 2010. 

Photographs by Maciek Malicki

The story of Zambezi Express and of its' run at the Bulawayo Theatre in 2010 is a favourite of my time in Zimbabwe so far.  I first met Siyaya, (the company behind Zambezi) and director Mambazo Saimon Phiri in 2008 and was struck by their ambitious ideas, entrepreneurial spirit and can-do attitude.  I liked their desire to remain true to their Makokoba roots too (Makokoba's the oldest township of Bulawayo' eastern suburbs.)  When later that year a friend wanted a Zimbabwean arts group to perform at a festival  in France I had no hesitation in recommending Siyaya.  Over the last three years we've established good working relations and friendships, partnering on several occasions. 

Around that time Siyaya started work on this ambitious new project: an all-singing, all-dancing, locally-inspired concept to tie in with the forthcoming world cup.  I saw some of the initial rehearsals where already the high-energy, positive and feelgood vibe that characterises Zambezi Express was evident.  Then I was also at the 'send-off' event in Makokoba before the company left for the UK to finish work on and debut the show in the UK.

In 2009 the Bulawayo Theatre asked if I knew any fully-fledged productions for their main stage and I told them about Zambezi and sang its' praises and then mentioned it to Siyaya as an idea. I seem to remember initially neither side was 100% convinced, perhaps uncertain of whether the combination of venue and audience would work.  However, after discussion both decided to give it a go and partnered to bring Zambezi Express to the Bulawayo stage.  

What happened next really was exciting.  The show opened with an explosion of life and as each performance finished and the audience left, it was a time-bomb scenario as they raved about what they had just experienced and before long word of mouth spread.  Tickets were snapped up and some people came again and again, returning with their whole families, neighbours and friends!  The shows sold out and we packed as many as possible into the theatre.  Extra shows were scheduled in addition to the matinees that were already on the publicity.  The performers were doing several hours of high-energy routines and demanding moves.  Not once did I see any reduction in zeal or effort from them, even though they must have been exhausted! Even once all shows were sold out and a waiting list opened, hopefuls still arrived each night in case they might somehow be squeezed in at the last minute.

All of a sudden everyone was talking about the show, positive and impressed.  I lost count of how often people mistook it for some international company passing through Zimbabwe on tour.  When I explained that the company had been based for the last 20 years or so +/- 10 mins drive from the theatre they were amazed.  I love being able to educate others on the talent that is inherent in Bulawayo and on the benefit of looking beyond your immediate circle to see what's out there.

Financial Giving

It has been brought to my notice (in subtle and less subtle ways!) that the cost of living is still rising in Zimbabwe, even without hyper-inflation.  It took me a while to notice, but having looked into it and analysed my own finances, I realise that what used to be sufficient to live on now isn't quite so any more.
As a free-lance operator, I'm completely self-funded and living the daily adventure of this!  I don't want to overly dwell on it, but, then again I do need to raise some extra resources at the moment. 
Should anyone be interested in supporting the type of work/life/stuff I do, and wishes to help me in this, I am fully registered with Stewardship meaning that any donation made can benefit from Gift-Aid (providing the giver is a UK taxpayer).  Obviously, this is great news as each donation goes that bit further.  Have a think (and perhaps a pray) about whether this is something you're interested in, either as an impromptu one-off, or as a regular standing order... :-)


No pressure, but if you do want to then the link to setting it up online is here!


Also for the record to everyone who does support me - in various ways, including financial - I am eternally grateful and love you very much. Thank you & bless you!

The Creative Arts In Mission

In 2010 I was asked to contribute to a magazine publication from BMS on the subject of The Creative Arts in Mission.  Here is a link to an edited version of the article: The Creative Arts as a Tool for Breaking Down Social Barriers: A Mission Perspective.

"Handmade with Love by Izzy"

A selection of my new handmade, bespoke bags

Ideal for toiletries, cosmetics and colourfully transporting & protecting delicate items

Can come with a thick fleece lining for added padding/protection

 

  

Using largely locally-sourced fabrics and trimmings, this is one of my two exciting new sideline projects.  The emphasis is on colourful, fun designs, with funky corresponding inside linings and external trimmings.  Each unique bag is individually hand-finished with applique fabric detail and button work and are available in a variety of sizes & colours.  Can be specifically made to order if particular details are requested.  Can be delivered internationally, so an ideal way to support me and get something in return! Email itredinnickzw@gmail.com for further information or to place an order.  Prices start from $5 for orders from Zimbabwe and from £6 for orders from the UK. 

Spread the word! They do look really lovely :-)

A 1mm Miracle

So I learned a profound truth today.  Was with my dear friend Hattie Cohen who arrived back in the UK yesterday after a horrendous skiing accident last week where she broke her back in 3 places.  She's currently enduring a great deal of pain and has had a major 3 hour operation to put metal bolts and rods in her back.  


I happened to be there today when the consultant said that her test results show that the prognosis for a full recovery is very promising indeed.  Amazing news!  But then he added that had the break been in a different place by 1mm she would now be completely paralysed and wheelchair bound for life.  One Millimetre's difference.  

It got me thinking...How often does a variation of 1mm make much of an overall difference to anything?  To my mind, not all that often.  And yet.  Today, I saw how a seemingly insignificant figure really made all the difference in the world.  As I was reminded not to underestimate the effect that a millimetre can have on something, I also realised how important it is to remember the effect that something very small, and seemingly insignificant, can have, and the difference it may make.

My Employment/Residence Permit

It's been a long time without any blogging.  One thing I must record though is that after a lengthy, laborious & time-consuming process I am very excited to report that, as of last month, I have a work permit/residence permit valid until 2012 to live and work in Zimbabwe! No mean feat.  After 2.5 years as a tourist, living with a constant degree of uncertainty about my status in the country, it's a relief to have the security and freedom of this.  However, I also acknowledge the lessons in trust and faith that I've learnt over the last 2.5 years! It's always worked out, even if it's been a little hairy on occasion.

I'm equally proud of the route to this, painstakingly working with the systems of bureaucracy and refusing to take "short-cuts" at any stage, despite the frustrations (and my own impatience!)  Such permits are not easily awarded and I am very grateful to everyone who assisted me along the way.  I will do you proud!  I'm also excited as this marks an official start to my partnership with Siyaya Productions and Sabela Music Projects (SMP).  We've been in partnership for some time now in an unofficial capacity, both committed to the Arts industry in Bulawayo and Zimbabwe and throughout the region as a whole, but now we have a more formal partnership.  I look forward to our collaboration together!

Thanks to everyone who's prayed about this process.  It's a minor miracle really and certainly inspires me to be here in Bulawayo, committed to the arts and artists for the next two years.  I'm excited about all that lies in store!