Screening of films by the girls from India

 

 

Tues 22 May 2012

7:00 p.m.

Little Carib Theatre

 

The films created by the girls who participated in the film workshop in Kolkata, India, will be shown as part of TTFC's new film screening initiative at Little Carib Theatre—"Filme Caribe - An Evening of Shorts." On the night I will give a short talk to put the project into context.

The films "Siege: and Sans Souci" (Francesca Hawkins, Dion Boucaud, Junior-Andrew Lett) will also be screened. There will be a Q & A after.

Tickets cost: $35 TT  and are available from the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (TTFC) 625-3456, info@trinidadandtobagofilm.com

 

 

AKASH (Sky)

One of 5 songs featuring music I created for original poems (written by survivors of sex trafficking in Kolkata), recited in Bengali or English translation. The traffic sounds layered under the music are the real sounds of Kolkata—constant blowing of horns recorded one night while walking through the streets.

In London? Don't miss this ...

The girls from India came in on Saturday and work started yesterday (Sunday)—preparing for their performance and also working with new film participants. See below info so you and friends can come and experience their powerful dance & film performance on Thursday night at Sadler's Wells (as part of the Connect Festival). You will be glad you came.

"Buoyed by the rhythm of dance, I have discovered a new language in my body. I have discovered the ineffable taste of life." - Kolkata Sanved Dancer

BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
Date: 22 March
Time: 7:15 p.m.
Venue: Sadler's Wells Dance Theatre, Rosebury Avenue, Islington, EC1 (Get off at Angel subway station)
Admission: 5 pounds

A diversity of life experience and human stories from two continents and two generations; expressed in a thought provoking performance, in two parts - Transforming Steps & KnowBody - incorporating dance and film.

Sadler’s Wells is committed to delivering an accessible dance programme, developing opportunities for participation and encouraging disabled and Deaf patrons to engage in all aspects of dance. When booking please inform Ticket Office of any access requirements.

How to book:
To book tickets call or visit 0844 412 4300 www.sadlerswells.com
When booking please inform us of any access requirements you may have.

Be a part of the transformation

Filmed during the Transforming Steps project in Kolkata, India, this clip shows choreographer Mafalda Deville working with women from Kolkata Sanved (www.kolkatasanved.org). The piece they're developing will be performed at Sadler's Wells, London in March 2012 to raise awareness of the global problem of human trafficking. There's an opportunity to contribute towards this ground-breaking project - there are currently funds to see four of the seven women come to London, we need to raise funds to ensure the remaining three women can join them. Make a difference, donate at http://www.indiegogo.com/Transforming-Steps

Something T & T can learn from India

Close up image of sacred garland,  Kolkata

In India I was impressed by the girl at the grocery entrance greeting customers each time in prayer pose, with a slight bow and pleasant "Namashkar". In general, interactions with people felt sacred. Being there, if you have any inherent respect for each other, it is inevitable that you also start putting your hands together and even just bending your head to others as you meet or part. 

The meaning of "Namashkar" was real: "The spirit in me respects the spirit in you." Humility and reverence for everyday people. 

On Sunday, I briefly went out for the first time since returning to Trinidad and was met in stark contrast by a sour-faced girl mumbling at me from behind the cash register. I'm not saying people in India are perfect and Trinbagonians are not, but culturally this is not a society where we naturally treat each other with reverence ... Which brings to mind Kamla (our Prime Minister, for those who don't know) bending to touch the Indian leader's feet. So what? Maybe instead of wasting time complaining about that, Trinbagonians should take an example from her . . . not to literally touch each other's feet when we meet, but to have some more "Namashkar" between us in our everyday lives.

Update: ... until February 14th, 2012

Dear All,

Concerning the Transforming Steps project and the call for funds to aid three of the dancers in getting to London to perform ...

http://www.indiegogo.com/Transforming-Steps

Interest has been expressed in donating, but some are uncomfortable using their credit cards online. I understand. Therefore, I will accept donations from those wanting to give on behalf of the dancers, and will pay the lumpsum with my card. I am setting a symbolic lumpsum deadline of FEBRUARY 14th, 2012 to receive whatever you, if inspired, are able/willing to give.

Having personally met & worked with these brave & inspiring young women, I vouch for their potential and know that this will be life-changing not only for them, but for many others. The required amount of $5,000US (roughly $30,000TT) adds up easily when (working with multiples of ten to keep the maths simple):

1,000 people/organisations donate $30TT each
100 people/organisations donate $300TT each
10 people/organisations donate $3,000TT each
1 person/organisation donates $30,000TT
Or 300 people donate $100 each, etc ...

Thank you.

Elspeth

Help change these lives and more...yours included

In connection with the Transforming Steps project which we recently embarked upon in Kolkata, India, please visit this link to see how you can help/be involved http://www.indiegogo.com/Transforming-Steps

Let's say the target of only $5,000US works out to roughly $30,000TT. Working with multiples of ten to make the maths simple, this amount can be raised very easily if:

1,000 people/organisations donate $30TT each
100 people/organisations donate $300 each
10 people/organisations donate $3,000 each
1 person/organisation donates $30,000TT

Thank you for contributing to and/or spreading the word on this worthy cause.

Elspeth

2012 Greetings

Happy New Year to all.
May it bring all that you need. And may all that you need be what you want. And may your needs and wants be what the Divine selects for you.

We celebrated last night with a ride in one of the dangerous-looking autos. They seat three to five people squashed together and look like small green and yellow eggs with wheels speeding through the streets. We then walked through the streets looking for "something" happenin, but there was "nothing". Yet, in nothing there is everything.

At midnight we wished each other happy new year on the sidewalk, observed some fireworks and sidewalk explosions ( ie festive explosions) and returned to the hotel.

I was in 2012 ten hours ahead of TT, which, as I write this, has just crossed into the new year.

I'm going to India

Today I am leaving for London en route to India. It will be my first time there. I am going to Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), also known as City of Joy, Cultural Capital of India, Literary Capital of India, City of Furious Creative Energy, City of Palaces, City of All Cities, City of Processions, City of Bridges ... (among other things). 

I will update when I am there . . .