fAmIlY, FrIeNdS, fAnS...

First, we are all back safe and and sound and returned to find AYC just as we left it.  Second, the NORTH TOUR 2 was truly  an amazing experience for all involved!  In reality, neither pictures nor words can do the tour justice it was simply a thing of beauty.  Paulo Freire once wrote that "education is an act of love, thus, an act of courage", and as we spent countless hours in the bus on what could be considered treacherous roads, arriving in a town, unloading the gear and performing for thousands on the streets of Ethiopia only to do it all over again the next day these words resonated over and over.  The following are some NORTH TOUR 2 facts and photos, enjoy.     

First the facts... Over the course of 9 days 20 One Love Theater cast members travelled over 2,500 kilometers, visited 7 cities, performed 8 shows for over 10,000 people!  The total cost for the entire tour was approximately $3,500.   

Now the photos...

Usually, days began with a rough early morning (3 a.m!) departure on our trusty bus... 



Luckily, the long journeys often included the amazingly beautiful landscape of Northern Ethiopia and occasionally even endemic animals such as the Celada baboon...



After travelling between 5-12 hours on the road we would arrive in a city, find a suitable place in the center of town, inform local authorities that OLT was in town and then start the show.  The NORTH TOUR show was a 40 minute performance, complete with a live band, that inlcluded 3 skits tacklling different aspects of HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia as well as modern dance, circus and gymnastics...the show looked a little like this...

Starting it all off with an always crowd pleasing HIV/AIDS skit...

 

...and then letting it all fly...



...twisting it up...



...and defying the laws of physics...



In addition to performing for thousands throughout Ethiopia, the tour also gave some great kids a chance to see their ancient, wonderous and beautiful country.  Here is the gang at historic Lalibela...



Finally, most importantly this tour was for the people of Ethiopia.  It is safe to say that the majority of audiences had never seen anything like this in their lives and it was evident they appreciated it.  Over the course of the tour we received praises and accolades from thousands, in short we were overwhelmed with the response to the show.  For this, we are grateful to the Ethiopian Hizboch, stay strong you are truly beautiful. 






One Love, One Fight.