The Lab (Market Theatre Complex) came alive mid May as it hosted the Majesty of seven of SA’s finest literary scientists. Of course these outspoken women are not scientists in the conventional sense; how appropriately ironic though that their 1st Experiment together (A Body of Words) be presented at THE LAB THEATRE. In my mind I imagined 7 specialists around A BODY OF WORDS. Silver, light emitting flashes from the scalpels of literary doctors ready to ply their trade. A sign on the door which reads; PLEASE ENTER: Resuscitation of the written and spoken word in progress. From the poster design alone (a female posing vignette with words subtly whispering hints of full on femininity), I got the picture. Indeed, a picture does say a thousand words, no ‘figures’ of speech attached.
We are at the Lab Theatre to be inspired, appeased, to be told that words can only truly live once spoken, hence this is a resuscitation and not a resurrection. We are here for the hearts and souls of Khosi Xaba, Myesha Jenkins, Lebo Mashile, Natalia Molebatse, Phillippa Yaa de Villiers, Linda Gabriel and Khanyi Magubane (Khanyi was not present on this day due to the Journalism Awards) Today, May 15 2010, God is sweeping the streets with His Mighty breath and all His people in ‘Art City’ Newtown can feel its chill. A God of diversity He is. So some of His people gather, waiting, searching for Him on dance floors and restaurants while WE (the others), gather around the Lab Theatres doors painted with invitation. Myesha meets The Consciousness Team warmly, for I believe she no longer considers us guests, but rather an extension of her family. She leads us backstage where our wizards are adorning themselves in modest apparel. For expressive presentation is an inward-out display. The general mood is jovial with minimal chat and so sensing the anxiety I kept my conversation to a bear minimal. (photographs by: Mlungisi and OZ)
