Keeping performance alive during Covid-19

The Guardian recently published an article on how art and theatres can be supported during the shutdown caused by the Covid-19 coronavirus.

One of the 12 suggestions was to “seek out virtual shows”. It’s a plea that has been taken up by many across the art world, including South Africa’s William Kentridge-created Centre for the Less Good Idea.

For many theatre lovers out there, it’s an inexplicable experience seeing the unveiling of an artist’s work happen live in front of you on a stage with lighting, sound and audience reactions. But, in the time of Covid-19 lockdowns and social distancing, theatre doors have had to close.

The centre, which is an interdisciplinary incubator space for the arts, based in Maboneng, Johannesburg, opened its virtual doors on April 1 on Facebook.

Season 7 – themed What of text? – is a body of literary and performance work curated by Phala Ookeditse Phala, director of the centre and multi-award theatremaker, and Kentridge. All five works, now available to view on Facebook and Instagram, shine light on how the world can make its theatres, museums and concert halls more accessible.

Several texts by African authors were used, from Antjie Krog to Khayelihle Dominique Gumede.

The first performance, written and performed by Koleka Putuma and titled Africa, my Africa, is a poem that plays with the notion of presence and absence in writing while also casting a sideways glance at the enduring effects of rainbow nation-ism in contemporary South Africa.

The second work by Bogologolo Tala sees physicality and expressive movement come together to present the potential of the body in motion as a vehicle for narrative. It was directed by Phala.

Season 6, Her City!, can be seen at The Centre for the Less Good Idea. It is directed by Faniswa Yisa

The third performance, directed by Faniswa Yisa and called Umthandazo, focuses on the lives of the women of Marikana, and the physical and emotional labour they contributed before and after the events of August 16 2012. It’s performed by a powerful cast of seven womxn.

“Some of the projects stayed close to the texts, while others have gone on their own journey,” said Kentridge.

Earlier in March the National Arts Festival in Makhanda announced that this year it would be completely virtual for the full 11 days. It would continue to support artists and the artist by presenting work within a digital space.

Like the efforts of The Centre for Less Good Idea, the arts have become a necessary portal of reflection and connection in this unpredictable time of Covid-19. It’s a chance to share hope and gives an opportunity to connect in a time when we are required to keep distance from one another.

. View the performance for free on Facebook at facebook.com/lessgoodidea/ and Instagram at instagram.com/lessgoodidea/

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