There was an impromptu question and answer session following the workshop where we all sat on the floor and discussed our individual career paths, our training backgrounds, and the mission statement of BSA. It became an extremely moving moment and evolved into one of the truest cross-cultural exchanges of artistic dialogue I've ever engaged in. They asked us about our expectations of the people we work with here, we discussed potential possibilities for collaborative teaching efforts in their community since many of them are teachers themselves, and very hospitably insisted they would love to personally show us around their townships so that we can experience their way of life in a much deeper and local context.
As we wrapped things up we blasted Afro-Fusion music from one of their ipods and cheered along as few of them danced for us, individually showing off their own special skills, tricks, and styles of movement. It was truly an amazing moment in time and space. Dance and Music became The Common denominator everyone in the room could share; the point of reference connecting all of us through our talents and passions and hope for Art's ability to change the world.
Happily Exhausted, Christopher
Broadway in South Africa is a cooperative nonprofit venture created by professional working actors, dancers, signers, directors, musicians and producers from New York City - all brought together by the desire to affect change in the world through art, and learn from the potential of bridging two different cultures artistically.
For more information on Broadway in South Africa, please click here.
