ONE LOVE Theater Blog

Image/Speak/Word

sAlUtAtIoNs GoOd PeOpLe....

Last week AYC hosted a photo workshop which will ideally be the beginning of an AYC photo club. The workshop was facilitated by Peter Eversoll, a photographer whom has worked with youth in the US and Mexico. Aside from offering the basics of photography, Peter also let particpants train their eyes in trips around town. The photos from these trips, seen below, are the first in an on-going, on-Blog exhibit entitled "Image/Speak/Word", aiming to offer youth perspective of AYC events, Awassa and Ethiopia. Thanks to Peter (and Lauren) for their time and effort.

One Love, One Fight.

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When Words Become Steel

wHaT's Up WoRlD?

Unfortunatley, the sad truth in Ethiopia is that often most coversations regarding charity work often result in little more than false promises, there is something about this historic land that makes people promise things they simply don't, won't or can't do. Even more sad is that for many this passes as "charity". However, nearly two years ago the idea that resulted in the pictures you will see below began from one such conversation during the 4+ hour journey from Awassa to Addis Ababa. The 21-foot, steel sculpture is the first public art in Awassa and was created by Eirk Blome in collaboration with AYC over the course of the past 10 days. Erik, a professor at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, has numerours public figurative sculpture works across the US for more information on his work please visit http://www.figurativeartstudio.com/. We would like offer thanks Eirk for his time, effort and breaking the trend of false promises. When words become steel it seems all benefit.

Moving it...

...dramatic build up....

...the unveiling...

...CaptureEverydayMagicUniverse...

One Love. One Fight.

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CapturedEverydayMagicUniverse

One Love. One Fight.

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Summer Time and Living Is AYC...

sAlLaAm nEw...

Summertime is upon us here in Awassa and the rains are late, electrcity in short supply but spirits are high. Summer always marks an exciting time for AYC, with no school literally tons of children and youth turn to AYC. At present upwards of 200 youth are visting us on a daily basis. We are kicking off the summer with yet another BIG AYC-first. Last week we began a workshop with nationally known sculptor Erik Blome (http://www.figurativeartstudio.com), by next week we should have what will be Awassa's first public sculpture. Based on an orginal design the piece will be made of rebar and located direcly in front of AYC faciities. Despite frequent power cuts (which tend to hamper electric welding) we have pressed on, below are some pictures taken today. Stay tuned we will post pics of opening ceremonies and of the final work...

...another hint...

Meanwhile, today we also managed to squeeze in a percussion workshop, some time in the AYC recording studios and One Love Theater training (whom are currently preparing for the summer tours!). The simple truth is that most organizations fiddle with red tape to get one of these activities done in a month; AYC does this and more each day. Someday, people will come to accept this is what can be done and begin to forget about all these cause-based, sad-child faced campaigns that only serve to boost egos and maintain the status quo. Thanks for understanding and supporting this journey.

One Love, One Fight.

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Workshop

gReEtInGs...

Yesterday, there was a workshop at AYC. Over 100 children and youth particpated in activities that varied from clay working to mask making to metal working to recording an Etho-Egyptian pop song. The workshop was in collaboration with several students from the American University in Cairo and with Professor/Scultpor Erik Blome, whom is continuing a residency here at AYC that will, hopefully, result in Awassa's first public sculpture. People look at the following pics and understand this is what CAN be done. Don't accept anything less.

One Love, One Fight.

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Any Given Sunday...

gReEtInGs BlOgLiNgs...

Today, our heroes, One Love took the stage at an event celebrating the largest "orphan and vulnerable children" program in Ethiopia, PC3. One Love was consigned by Save the Children to design a performance that tackled the issues surrounding vulnerable children and, more importanly, the need for EVERYONE including organizations, governments and society alike to work towards supporting the right of children everywhere just to be happy, healthy and, above all, children.

Today's show was speical for a couple reasons. First, it was attended by various NGOs, government officials and other "stakeholders" (note: this is the first, and hopefully last time this term will be used on the blog). In addition, the audience included author and T.V. journalist Cokie Roberts, whom is an ambassador for Save the Children. Second, One Love alumnus, Ms. Feven, on a break from her International circus performing took the stage with One Love and as you will see defied a bit of gravity while displaying some serious talent (hint: she is the one spinning a table with her feet!).

One Love, One Fight.

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Tilahun Gessese

hElLo...

Today, we write with a heavy hand that the "King of Ethiopian Music" passed away yesterday evening. He was truly a voice for, and of, Ethiopia and will be missed by many. Our best to his family, friends and a country in mourning. Melkam guzo Tiahun.

One Love, One Fight.

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One Love Statistic

gReEtInGs...

Last Saturday One Love Theater took the stage, well grass, at a market located about 25 km from Awassa. What ensued was approximately 65% of a performance. Due to the rain and simply too many people the show was, unfortunatley, cut a bit short. Still the 2,000+ audience was treated to One Love at their finest. The overzealous crowd was a testament to the role of art as universal communicator, once again far transcending the costly, yet popular method of people behind desks cranking out statisics that will be used for more people behind more desks. If you were to take the last saturday's incomplete show as a "statistic" it looked a bit like this...

One Love, One Fight.

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Ethiopian Historial Fun Fact

wHaT's Up WoRlD...

As many of you know Ethiopia is a country with a vast and truly stunning history. Today, Ethiopia's history is witnessed in the inspiring identity of its people as well as the longevity of its culture. Today, we thought we would offer a brief Ethiopian historical fun fact! Years ago, facing invasion by Great Britan colonial forces one of Ethiopia's great leaders, Emperor (Atse) Tewodros, chose to take his own life rather than surrender to foreign invasion. Seemingly bewildered by his defiance, and in classic colonial fashion, the British simply carried his head back to the King. We are currently designing a mural of Atse Tewodros for the community, this is the leading candidate so far, we thought it was fitting....

One Love, One Fight.

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STREET CIRCUS FIGHT

HELLO WORLD...

Yesterday One Love Theater had a fight of sorts...a 'Street-Circus-Fight". Our friends, Fikat Circus from Addis Ababa came down to Awassa this weekend. We decided to do a surprise show in Awassa, on the lakeside. Organized as a friendly competition of sorts the two groups traded theatrical and circus licks. Wowing the crowd of 2,000+ in the process. First, we had to lug the gear to the lake (can't get much more enviro-friendly!)....