Tongue Tied?- Reaching out to Zimbabwe
On Saturday February 28th, 2009 Xen Arts hosted the second annual Tongue Tied? fundraiser at the Cochrane Theatre. The programme featured a wide range of dance and music performances, in support of Zimbabwe. The line up included Trailblazers Sean Graham (07/8) and Freddie Opoku-Addaie (08/9), who both put on stunning performances. It was a truly inspiring evening and I caught up with the coordinator, Xenoula Eleftheriades, shortly after the event to find out more about the inspiration, development and (hopefully bright) future of Tongue Tied?.
Tell us about what inspired you to create Tongue Tied?
I travelled to Zimbabwe in 2007 with Tavaziva Dance to perform at the Harare International Festival of the Arts - (HIFA). It was there that I met members of Tumbuka Dance company. Because of the current political and economic situation out in Zimbabwe, they were struggling to survive on very little income, having had most of their funding sources cut. Knowing the past strength and international reputation of this company and the inspiration and joy it has brought to so many audiences in Zimbabwe and worldwide, I felt the need to do something, no matter how small, to help raise awareness and funds to support them.
What have been the highlights of the project(s) to date?
Seeing the first night happen from just an idea to actually being on stage and getting feedback from the audience on how much they enjoyed it was great. It was the first time I had attempted such a project which was a big challenge as it was completely unfunded! To have so much interest and support from everyone involved, from staff at the Cochrane Theatre to the artists performing, from friends designing websites and flyers and lending equipment. Everyone was giving their time voluntarily and coming together in support of the cause, to raise money for a company that don't have the same opportunities we have- that was an amazing feeling...that was the highlight for me.
What impact would you say Tongue Tied has made thus far?
For the second year running audiences have enjoyed an exciting line up of music, poetry and dance by both British and African artists now based in the UK. This year, Tongue Tied? was fundraising for us to deliver dance workshops at schools in Zimbabwe to set up pen pal links with schools/youth groups in the UK. It is a pilot project so we are yet to see the results. I am hoping those involved will get a real insight into each other’s lives, rather than the one often shown by the media. We often see a very negative image portrayed of Zimbabwe and miss the passion and energy people invest in their creativity. Whether as a means of expression, where communication has been suppressed, as employment or simply as part of everyday life, from painting and sculpture to poetry, dance and music, their rich culture of arts seems to unite people in a time of crisis. Xen Arts wants to help create opportunities for young people to use dance, poetry, music etc. as a positive way of expressing themselves about issues affecting their own lives as well as their peers, in countries where the restrictions are much greater than their own.
What is your long term dream for the project?
I really want to continue with more Tongue Tied? nights, creating platforms for professional artists who want to show work linked to the theme of freedom of expression. This will offer inspiration to the youth projects I am now beginning to develop.
I would love to secure funding to get more similar projects up and running. Ideally each pair of partner schools would be funded to continue their own projects. Youth groups here would experience the passion, excitement and energy through the arts, appreciating the opportunities they have around them and placing value on what is available to them. Through skills learnt, they can create their own performances/fundraising events addressing issues affecting their own lives, while helping their partner schools in Zimbabwe with the basics they are struggling to provide...it's a two way exchange! It would be amazing to also have the means to bring one of the youth groups over to London to be part of the next Tongue Tied? night!
We’ll be in Zimbabwe in May running some projects alongside HIFA. The website will be updated in June when we return from Zimbabwe with footage of the trip and plans about the next steps!! www.tonguetied.org.uk
