ONE LOVE Theater Blog

The Golden Egg

2009-11-02T18:43:00Z

hElLo WoRlD...

Greetings. We are pleased to announce that "The Golden Egg", the quintessential "lost" One Love Theater performance, is now streaming on You Tube (link is below). In October 2009 the AYC founders (2 Ethiopians and 1 American) departed on a now infamous, or ill-fated depending upon whom you ask, fundraising tour to the US. Long story short, the director of One Love Theater did not choose it was in his best interest to return to his country. The lights were simply too bright. "The Golden Egg" was One Love's first performane without their director/founder or soul. Aside from being the company's first foray into science-fiction the performance is also a dark take on an all too familiar World. The 45-minute show took place in "far, far away land of birds home to the mystical and powerful Golden Egg". The clip on-line is some of the highlights of the performance, what could possibly be the first ever Ethiopian sic-fi play. It is dedicated to the one that flew away, good luck finding your Golden Egg.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORMqf1bULzI

One Love, One Fight.

One Love/You Tube

2009-10-22T05:08:00Z

wOrLd...

We are happy to announce that One Love Theater's "The Cafeteria Opera" is now streaming on You Tube, please check it out at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN2pvJEVejk

Also, One Love Theater was also featured in one of most Popular music videos in Ethiopia this year, check that out at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnNyjGoAEec&feature=related

Finally, while you are there you can also check out a mini-documentary on AYC, shot in HD no less, check that out at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82-FwLDyxiQ

Enjoy.

One Love. One Fight.

The Cafeteria Sounds

2009-10-16T19:06:00Z

wOrLd....

The following are sounds from One Love's "The Cafeteria Opera" (see previous entry). They represent the show whereby they are the rawest of the raw. But be assured raw is better than nothing, which is exactly what most settle for when it comes to change in Ethiopia. Following photo is also of the show. As AYC is definitely facing the impacts of the economic downturn please feel free to donate pennies, millions or good vibes we need them all.

3 Tracks, please not they are rough audio mixdowns, but close your eyes and it is almost like you are there...

SpaceGurage

The Queen, pt. 1

KumbulaKumbula

One Love, One Fight.

The Cafeteria Opera

2009-07-30T17:46:00Z

                                                                        The Cafeteria Opera

Every so often art and life collide only to result in what could be considered a journey; a collective moment of simutaneous reflection; a universally telepathic dialouge. Last Tuesday, this is excactly what occured in a steamy, crowded University cafeteria in Southern Ethiopia. The catalyst for this particulary vibrant fraction of time, was none other than One Love Theater.

We took the show on the road for 6 days, 5 of which were relatively dissappointing. For days on end we just seemed to walk on the road with a bunch of cows. Just kidding. We had high expectations for the show as it is based on a new format that we feel is a creative and professional step forward.  The new show effortlessly blends development and art while also addressing Ethiopian issues from the often underutilzed though highly effective Ethiopian perspective. The show included a cast and crew of 27, including a 9 person band. Needless to say we had set high standards and we couldn't seem to meet them for the majority of the tour. Just couldn't get the groove. That is until the occurence of what will go down in history as the "Caferia Opera".

The floor of the cafteria was literally covered in injera (the staple food of Ethiopia made from one of what many to consider to be one of the first domesticated crops, though now many simply refer to it as the Ethiopian "pancake"). The word that something was going down in the cafteria spread like fire, by the time the show began nearly 2,000 people had shown up. After a brief but great stand-up comedy performance from a One Love cast member/comeidan the first notes rung out and immediately there was something different from other performances. What ensued over the course was similar to the spinning house sequence in the Wizard of Oz.

Both cast and audience in the cafeteria were transported to another World. However, it was not a World in which Ethiopia is not considered one of its "poorest" nations and it was not a World in which "fight" to stop HIVAIDS is not dependent upon grandiose, expensive and invasive programs. Though it was a World of hope, thought and wonder.

                                                                        One Love. One Fight.

Image/Speak/Word

2009-06-28T20:42:00Z

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.

When Words Become Steel

2009-06-15T20:28:00Z

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.

CapturedEverydayMagicUniverse

2009-06-13T19:58:00Z

One Love. One Fight.

Summer Time and Living Is AYC...

2009-06-11T20:29:00Z

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.

Workshop

2009-06-05T13:03:00Z

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.

Any Given Sunday...

2009-05-17T19:18:00Z

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.

Tilahun Gessese

2009-04-20T18:32:00Z

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.

One Love Statistic

2009-04-17T19:45:00Z

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.

Ethiopian Historial Fun Fact

2009-03-31T17:03:00Z

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.

STREET CIRCUS FIGHT

2009-03-16T16:02:00Z

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!)....

...then AYC MC/cutting-edget comedian, Beenium, took the stage to warm up the crowd...

...then the entrance, think Michael Jackson's "Beat It"...

...then One Love debuted a skit from their brand new show, the "Golden Egg"...

...then Fikat...

...One Love...

...and a strong finish...

One Love, One Fight.

A One Love Surprise

2009-02-06T16:27:00Z

hElLo WoRlD...

Today, once again, One Love Theater proved why they are one of the hardest working theater company's out there. Under a blistering sun One Love performed for an audience of over 2,000 children and youth. The celebrations marked the beginning of the annual Awassa sports tournament, youth from Awassa neighborhoods compete in sports like basketball, football, boxing, volleyball, running and gymnastics. The event aims to promote sports in the community. Officials asked One Love to perform at the opening ceremonies, and as you will see below they delivered.

First up was a many-children simultaneous exercise display....

Then it was One Love's turn....

Now we are going to try something different, this is a short, but eventful, piece of today's show (click on link below)....

OneLoveSurprise

One Love, One Fight.

President Obama/One Love/Josh Harris

2009-01-21T08:35:00Z

WoRlD...

After a momentary lapse of silence we are back. Today we need to bring to you three important things, they are as follows:

1. First, we would like to wish the best of luck to President B.H. Obama, may you represent the change and hope this World so desperately needs.

2. We are proud to announce One Love Theater is Back and BIGGER than ever (with puppets!)...



3. We would like to wish Josh Harris, Friend of AYC, the best of luck at Sundance Film Festival. Josh is the subject of "We Live in Public" a film that makes its debut this week at Sundance. Last month Josh organized and facilitated the Harvey Weinstein Basketball Clinic here at AYC, the clinc trained 30 young people in the fundementals of basketball. If you get a chance to see the film you will see Josh and the team on the AYC court, as well as Awassa! Below is a pick of Josh and the team during the closing ceremonies. For more on "We Live in Public" visit  festival.sundance.org/2009/film_events/films/we_live_in_public

                                                                  One Love, One Fight.

New Event, Previous Hootenany!

2008-12-05T06:32:00Z

hElLo WoRld....

Just in case you didn't know this Sunday is the 7th Annual Awassa Children's Project World AIDS Day Benefit!! All proceeds from this surely-to-be fun event benefit the Awassa Youth Campus and Awassa Children's Center! If you in or around the Chicago area please do try to drop in and give 'em your support. If you are not able you can always help out on-line at www.awassachildrensproject.org.   Thanks to all the hard work of the folks in Chicago for putting on the event!  Here is the flyer...



Finally, the link below is a video of a recent benefit/hootenany for AYC in Nederland, CO. Though the video is a bit dark you can literally here the good vibes on this unique rendition of "Louie, Loue"! Enjoy...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZg23_9B-WQ

                                                                                             One Love, One Fight.

AYC is Back!

2008-11-22T03:44:00Z

Hello World,

We apologize for the lack of blog as of late, the excuse is none other than the 2008 AYC tour of the United States, in short it has been a truly amazing, invaluable and almost overwhelming experience. Above all we feel it is has been a concrete step toward taking our work to the next level. In the near future there will be much more about the tour, for today we will leave you with some tour promo, links, etc. Enjoy, be well.

This is a poster for the Nederland, Colorado, it was a truly special evening...

The following is a link to a Obama-influenced music video featuring the AYC team that was made during the course of the tour....

http://it.youtube.com/watch?v=Df51_CheGzk

This is a link for the recent AYC documentary that was used during the tour....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82-FwLDyxiQ

Finally we also leave you with two tracks from "Soundz 4 Change, Vol. 1", the first AYC-produced music album, the first track is a reggae AYC style and the second is a bit o' the funk...

AYCReggae

AYCFunk

One Love, One Fight.

A Grassroots Miracle!

2008-09-16T14:44:00Z

hElLo AlL...

Today we are pleased to announce that AYC will soon be undertaking a United States based fundraising and awareness tour. AYC Co-Founders (John, Tesfaye and Meshu) will be presenting at events in NY, MA, CO, RI, CA, PA, etc. In what could be considered a "grassroots miracle" we actually got visas for Tesfaye and Meshu! To read more about the tour or donate in order to help us continue to make this grassroots miralce happen click on the following AYC US Tour Letter

Also today we would like to do a little thing we call "Instant Awassa"...the following two pictures were taken this afternoon here in sunny Awassa, first it is the progress on the first paved, public basketball court in Ethiopia. We are amazingly on schedule for the big opening next week! Take a look....

Also, today One Love was training for next weeks progam where they will debut a new show that addresses feelings and emotions behind HIV/AIDS as opposed to direct messages. Here they are today, training away....

            Finally, we thought we would leave you today with a picture capturing a common mode of One Love transport....



                                                                             One Love, One Fight.

The Face of Famine

2008-09-06T06:59:00Z

gReEtInGs WoRlD...

We hope this finds you well, safe and not believing the hype.  Ethiopia has been making the news, again, these days amid fears of famine in South Western part of the country.  Much of the media surrounding these stories is accompanied by the go-to images of suffering, despair, etc.  Pretty simple: hunger is not a happy thing. However, as some of you may know we recently visited South West Ethiopia as part of the "One Zany Blossoming Love" Tour.  And, we can say this seeing the fields of stunted, brown, wilting maize is like witnessing a fatal car crash in slow motion. However, despite this people there are very much still alive, and, amazingly enough giving the opportunity are more than willing to smile. While a smile can not be equated to food in times of hunger, it is a source of strength, it is proof that you are still alive. Thus, today we offer you a bit of a different image of famine and simply say FAMINE IS HAPPENING ONLY BECAUSE WE LET IT...



                                   ...the follwoing photo is one of reasons people were smiling that day...



Finally today, we have a bit of EXCELLENT AYC news...first, yesterday with the much-appreciated assistance of the Awassa City Administration we managed to secure permission for the Awassa Basketball park. Yes, it is already under construction but that is another story. Second, yesterday was graduation here at AYC, a class of 6 kids, whom let's just say life gave them a rough deal, finished a summer tutorial program here. The class was faciltated by both International and Ethiopian volunteers. For their hard work AYC will pay their schools fees, provide supplies and also offer a lunch program for the new students. PLEASE NOTE we have yet to secure the funds for this, if you are interested in helping us out with this (or with any of our programs for that matter) just let us know. We leave you today with the happy graduates....



                                                                    One Love, One Fight.