Broadway in South Africa 2010: Day 12 - Hidden Gems

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

Day 12 - Hidden Gems

Friday, January 22, 2010

As Company Manager of this trip, I don't get to be as interactive with the children as the teachers. I play "hall monitor," direct them to where they need to be, and answer whatever questions they might have. My favorite part of my job though, is to get to pop in to whatever class I'd like and just observe. These kids are a blessing and their talents are hidden gems. Watching them being unearthed is a great gift. Today, Jared had kids come up one at a time or in groups to sing for the rest of the class. Most were quiet and timid, and to be honest, I was pretty unsure of what to expect. Most had to be nearly dragged to the front. Shy, hiding behind their hands. Trying desperately to sit down, but unable to break past the urging of their peers. Finally, they get the nerve to begin and out of nowhere a sound emerges that is so unique and native to this inspiring country. The voices are fragile, and yet powerful. The songs filled with joy, passion, and some with pain passed down through generations. These kids are a blessing and their songs are gifts and I am so lucky to have witnessed it all.

- Jon-Erik

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.

 

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