pEoPLes....

As some of U may have noticed we have been experiencing technical difficulties on the BLOG as of late, sorry about this.  Though thanks to the hard work of our BLOG support team we are back up and better than ever!  Therefore, without further a-do let's jump right back to where we left off....namely OLT's shows/workshops in Addis Ababa last weekend!  

Last friday (May 18th), OLT made the journey up to Addis Ababa, along the way we had planned to perform a surprise show Ziway though due to circumstances out of our control (though definitely in "someones" control, wink-wink) the show had to be cancelled....ahh the beauties of radical street theater!  Anyways,  that afternoon we continued up to Addis and ended up conducting a full dress re-hearsal for our good friends at Fikat Circus.  The next morning, OLT performed a show and conducted a workshop at the only prison for children in Ethiopia.  The prison is currently home to 95 children/youth between the ages of 10-15.  Needless to say, it was a powerful experience for all involved.  The days activities began with an intimate, and slightly edited, performance of the new OLT show...  

OLT flew on to the stage (check out the new costumes)....



...and kept the kids in the palm of their hands...

 

...then after the performace we conducted an informal workshop that included dance, poetry, music and gymnastics....



If nothing else, the mornings activites hopefully provided a taste of freedom and hope for some children whom life has dealt a bad hand to.  It is our hope to return to the prison for further workshops in the future.  The next day OLT took the stage at the much anticipated B-Connected Festival...check out the poster, look closely and you'll see the OLT logo....

   

Despite logistical issues and technical difficulties, it is safe to say that OLT stole the show winning the hearts and immagination of the audience....

Here is some of the gang warming up back, well under, stage...



...and then OLT took the stage in classic fashion...



By all accounts it was a good weekend.  One final note, we crossed paths with a truly unique and special individual this weekend.  His name is Alvado, he is Spanish and he is a clown...oh yeah, almost forgot to mention that he is riding his bike around the World performing free for audiences!!!!!  He will be on the road until 2014, hopefully you can catch him on a continent near you.  Therefore, a big shout-out to the man knon as the "Biciclown"...though on a different path (literally) he truly represents what we are trying to do at AYC.  Keep riding Alvado, we are with you!  For more information visit www.biciclown.com     

We are back kids, stay tuned.  One Love, One Fight.