Broadway in South Africa 2010: Day 5, Agape, Indigo Skate Camp, Ekhaya

Blog series chronicling the experience of 'Broadway in South Africa' during their 2010 trip to South Africa.

Day 5 - Agape, Indigo Skate Camp, Ekhaya
Friday, January 15, 2010

We began day five with a visit to the Agape Orphanage. We arrived when the younger children were taking a nap. The older kids were off at school. Luckily, we were able to hang around until the little ones woke up and immediately greeted us with hugs and smiles. Every child was cuter than the last and showed us nothing but love. They were sad to see us go, and we were sad to leave them.

But we were off to another amazing place with even more amazing children. After a beautifully scenic drive through the hills of South Africa, we arrived at the Indigo Skate Camp. We had a traditional Zulu meal (entirely vegan!) that we could all tell was cooked with love.

We walked down the hill to find a huge skateboarding complex. Kids of all ages were speeding around and showing off their skills. Then we were treated with some traditional zulu dances. It was the first taste of true culture. They shared with us, so we shared back with some songs.

We then played some acting games with everyone and Lisa and Frankie taught the kids a dance. We had a couple translators help us, but the amazing thing about the time spent there, was that no translation was really needed. We were sharing in dance and music. The art was crossing the boarders and oceans and spoke for itself.

There was laughing and yelling and singing and joy from the kids, but maybe even more from us. I think we took away more than they did. Even though we've come over here to teach and share our talents, we can learn so much from these children who have so much to share.

I left feeling full of joy and happiness. These children, who have very little, take joy in the smallest of things and always had a smile on there face.

I hope we have more opportunities to take part in cross-cultural exchanges where Music and Dance are The Common language we share.

-Jared
Friday, January 15, 2010

Broadway in South Africa is a cooperative nonprofit venture created by professional working actors, dancers, signers, directors, musicians and producers from New York City - all brought together by the desire to affect change in the world through art, and learn from the potential of bridging two different cultures artistically.

For more information on Broadway in South Africa, please click here.