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Below are the comments of all the participants at the workshop:
- “Of particular value was the orientation to another
culture and also other types of theatricals i.e. the community based genre.
- For the first time, I got exposed to Cont (Cont Mhlanga,
the founder of Amakhosi Theatre) and the rich cultural lineage he carries with him. And the most important revelations I got
are the perspective of African ideas and culture.
- The connections I made with artists in this workshop have
inspired dreams of further collaborations in South Africa and Zimbabwe.”
- “The community based theatre concept was extremely
valuable for me. I leant of its value in cultural gatherings and in networking. The instructors were very motivating and helpful.
- I learnt to appreciate theatre from a different point of
view and I also learnt new methods for my own acts. It made me realize two important issues which are to value time and make
the most out of it and at the same time to be open to all ideas.”
- “The concept of community involvement, politics and
social issues fascinated me. It brought about new techniques for community theatre
as I knew it.. In the past two weeks I have been working thoroughly on a script which I will collaborate with the guest artists from Amakhosi.”
- “I broke with stereotypes of theatre and learnt how
other cultures present and work with theatre. The varying techniques of presenting theatre in the community with political
drive made me learn to adapt my theatre training to be flexible to varying modes of presentation.”
- “I came to find a familiar inspired ground with guest
artists who have lived in a seemingly different world and gained a new cultural perspective. It gave my artistic vision an
impetus in that I learnt to take theatre and adapt it to a beneficial community and socio political action and thus make a
difference with my art
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- ‘I now know that, beyond making a difference doing
what I love, it is possible for me to work in my art across boarders and still be accessible to audiences there .Cont has
inspired me in innumerable ways. He is an amazing man who commands intense respect. His passion and drive makes me want to
redirect my life path to follow his lead. His connection will aid me in finding grants to get to Africa.”
- “The process of community based theatre is amazing
in that it is a very organic process of developing a piece of theatre. It is so inspiring to interact with the audience and
to use dance and music as well as drama. Exchanging ideas with others will also help me as an artists in that it gets me in
touch with a multiplicity of ideas.”
- “The cultural exchange and cultural skills performance
skills that are inherent in this exchange programme has been of immense value to me. The idea of taking theatre into smaller
communities and opening them up to dialogue has been an eye opener for me. It has also taught me some great story telling
skills and application techniques that I can use to bring my theatre into the community. Because of the interest in African
arts the workshop has aroused in me, I am planning on applying for a Fulbright scholarship to study theatre in Zimbabwe .I had a great time.”
- “Learning the history and culture of Amakhosi opened
my eyes to the political and social aspects of community theatre. I also loved learning African dances, songs and the process
of production.. I found most valuable the Amakhosi instructors way of life, how they were raised, what they had to go through
and how far they have come. I enjoyed stage combat, African dances and scene work.
- I gained a whole new understanding of community theatre.
I am now more open to different ways of learning and living .I have spoken to Cont Mhlanga, the founder of Amakhosi, and I
hope to go to Zimbabwe and working with him in the Amakhosi Theatre Company in Zimbabwe. I am proud to be part of such a great
collaboration of talent and artists.”
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| Amakhosi and the CSU Summer Arts group that took part in the Amakhosi workshop. |
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- “The relationship between community,
theatre and activism became real to me. I heard the voice of Southern Africa looking at situations in terms of what their dominant discourses are. I
learnt how to use theatre as a means of encouraging higher consciousness and investigating hegemony. I danced the Zimbabwean
way. The concept of facilitating discussion and creating theatre that works with communities is appealing. I realised that
putting shows up quickly can be done but only with the proper preparation. The acting is highly conscious and controlled,
it only seems to be a work of cosmic inspiration. I think these two weeks have done more for my future employment than the
past year of classes…I have learned all about how theatre can communicate with existing communities and organizations.
I am planning to work in Zimbabwe soon.”
- “This workshop gave me the opportunity
to work outside of my own environment and work with new people. My job was to be stage manager and scenic designer and this
course sharpened those skills. The most valuable skills that I got are to work on a tight schedule and working with what I
got. It helped me to also learn how to work with different people and systems. It boosted my self esteem and made me aware
that I can stage manage, I am a talented scenic designer and that I could go out and one day do well.”
- “The Amakhosi Theatre For Community
Development process was very useful to me and the indaba process and bridge building games were of great interest. The techniques
of politicizing artists and their work skills were of great interest to me.”
- “It was so interesting to get
o know the guest artists and taking part in performing theatre that is unconventional to the western world. It is important
to know about cultures we are unfamiliar with. There are all sorts of ideas of what theatre should be. As a result of that
experience, I am planning on visiting Amakhosi and working on translating some written work into English.”
- “The lectures and description
of the foreign country policy/political condition as well as Chris’s processes as well as the structure of Amakhosi
development practices interested me so much. The multifaceted approach to theatre (drums, dance, voice and acting), the spiritual
connection between theatre and the spirit was great, it showed me the spiritual approach to theatre in the African light.
I hold that to be the effective way in which theatre can promote human growth and development, i.e. not just for fun and commercialization.”
- “Taking part in the Amakhosi
workshop allowed me to participate in two of their productions. It taught me different ways of working on a show and the different
methods that can be used. It made me meet new people from different backgrounds. It also helped improve my experience with
community theatre. I came in contact with people who are part of Amakhosi and was told of a possible experience or workshop,
next summer in Zimbabwe.”
- “I came into contact with the
non conventional and free style of Community theatre and for the first time the use of dance and mask work. I was able to
learn to work in a new perspective. I also learnt how to work in an ensemble and
to be patient.”
- “Beyond new acting styles and
techniques, I became aware of dialogue and hegemony. I now have a renewed vigour to work in the community. In future I want
to send my work to Amakhosi and then visit them in Zimbabwe
on a cultural exchange.”
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