Thembi Ngubane – sharing her HIV journey
Represent would like to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY today to Thembi Ngubane from Khayelitsha, a brave and courageous young HIV+ South African woman who is telling her personal story both digitally and through touring both the US and SA to help in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Thembi turns only 22 today and judging from her story, has single-handedly done more for the fight than many corporates or businesses have through her Radio Diaries project. She spent a year recording her life and experience of living with HIV/AIDS, her haunting words can be heard at the AIDS diary Project. Be strong sisi, we love you. From Thembi’s blog: My name is Thembi Ngubane and I come from a township outside of Cape Town in South Africa called Khayelitsha. I look taller in these pictures than I really am. I am currently doing a tour of my country speaking about what it is like to live with HIV and AIDS. This all started with an audio diary that I began to keep in 2004 to be broadcast on National Public Radio in the United States. At first I wanted to keep my identity anonymous. But I began to love the diary and it became part of me. At the same time people around me were dying of HIV and AIDS so I felt that I had to disclose. I was invited on a five city speaking tour in the US in 2006 presenting to high schools, colleges, community centers and even for places like CNN and MTV. At this point I saw people”s positive response and I decided that this documentary must also reach people South Africa. Reaching people with my story in South Africa is the most important thing I have done. This is because in my country everyone is either infected or affected by this disease. This blog is a recollection of this two week tour of my...
Map of Gun Crime in the world
It’s troubled times for the US as they deal with the aftermath of the 32 people killed at the Virginia Tech. The UK Guardian tells us that the 23 year old Korean sent a video to the NBC after his first rampage. “The Virginia campus killer paused in the two-hour gap between the first and second shootings to post a package containing a video, photographs and a multi-page statement to a US television headquarters. NBC News received the package yesterday and handed it to the FBI. It included a digital photograph of Cho Seung-hui, 23, with his arms spread wide, a handgun in each. He was wearing a black baseball cap backwards, black gloves, and a vest with an array of pouches – the same clothes described by witnesses to the shooting.” More here. Check out this map from CNN (Thanks Aquoibon) here that shows the frightening amount of gun crime in the world. Sadly South Africa fits into the HIGH zone. Eish. Not...
Say what?
Feeling in a little bit of a sentimental mood we decided to ask some friends for a few of their favourite sayings/proverbs/expressions that have stuck with them through the years. There’s something comforting in the words passed down from a teacher, a parent, an elder or a favourite book – don’t ya think? Stay with us while we get deep – we’ve got a few more to come including some Tswana sayings from Boogie. Please share yours lists with us in the comments section. Keep it tidy! MostlySunny never trust a person who doesn’t have a tan in summer the only thing you should sign without reading is a birthday card when poverty comes in the door love goes out the window fine feathers make fine birds your word is your bond honesty is the best policy Chesario makes it a little more interesting – see if you know ’em You scratch my back. . . . . Pride comes before . . . Give a man a fish. .. Make hay. . . s/he who laughs last. . . . The early bird. . . Don’t leave for tomorrow. . . What you put in . . . Durban D-Va Necessity is the mother of invention. A boer maak ‘n plan. Look after the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves. It’s no use crying over spilled milk. Do as I say, not as I do Sisiwami Familiarity breeds contempt Maintain the high ground Reading is the fountain of knowledge Don’t look a gifthorse in the mouth Do unto others as you would have done unto you Many a true word is said in jest Birds of a feather flock together You can’t take it with you Nothing in life is free Debza No-one can ask for more than your best Be careful what you wish for If you got nothing nice to say, say as little as possible A silver lining is better than 3 in the bush 🙂 Don’t sweat the small stuff If you can conceive it and believe it, you can achieve it Don’t dream it, be it! Afrodaffodil “never say never’! “what doesnt kill you makes you stronger” Aquoibon Even a clock that is not going is right twice a day Speak the truth, but leave immediately after It is easier to believe than to go and ask Don’t approach a goat from the front, a horse from the back, or a fool from any side. Do not seek the truth, only cease to cherish your opinions Pray to God, but keep rowing to the shore To call upon its posterity,...
Represent Review: Bunny Chow
Thanks to Wena a hot up-and-coming film maker for her impromptu review of the movie Bunny Chow. What are your thoughts on the film readers? My take on Bunny Chow Finally a South African movie about nothing. No big issues. No politics. No HIV/Aids. No morals. Just small talk, alcohol, drugs and sex that equate to boys being bad and girls being sad. It was an extraordinary experience seeing a new generation of story-tellers who don’t give damn about issues. Its funny how refreshing that can be. The plot-line follows no real story and the dialogue is far from tight. It all risks flat-lining over 90 minutes, however a few truly hilarious typical South African moments save the day. The dudes are funny, they’re comedians. The film is shot in back and white with interesting angles and backdrops, but its a great pity that the characters who we really need to see were obscured in darkness for most of the film. The film has a look and its definitely the ‘retro low budget, no light, bad sound’ look. As a bonus it sports a pumping sound track and tons of corporate logos at the end of the credits. So if you’re into Bunny Chow, this is your movie, dude. On a serous note. Do see the movie with chow. Ciao and lots of love ...
Represent Review: Triptych @ the Market
Thanks to Debs our resident Represent theatre guru for her time and words: A triptych (pronounced “trip-tick) is a work of art (usually a panel painting) which is divided into three sections. The central panel is the most important one, and this is flanked on either side by two lesser but related paintings. The whole is intended to be greater than the sum of the parts. Wikipedia This aptly named play is currently showing at the Market Theatre. It is a play about three women: a wife, a daughter and a mistress. Each is in love with the same man: the husband, father and lover. To continue the theme, I suppose that it is appropriate that I should be in ‘three minds’ about the play. Let me break it down… Edna O’Brien’s writing is clever, funny; ironic and heartbreaking. This makes for a very solid script and foundation for the show, giving the play a wonderful balance of laughs and tragedy. The design, both for production (Nadya Cohen) and costume (Margo Fleisch), is innovative and interesting, yet functional.The configuration of the performance space, a passage with audience on either side, creates the illusion of constant transition and passing of time. The costumes have been carefully selected to give an insight into the characters through their individual style of dress. The star of the show, and the main character/central panel, is brilliantly portrayed by Terry Norton. She is captivating. She has a very light touch, allowing us the luxury of choosing how we feel about her character. She doesn’t ever seem to say ‘watch this part, this is really sad!!!’ or ‘This is very funny’. She just flows between the two with ease and we flow with her. Her co-star is the incomparable Dorothy Ann Gould; she plays the other woman – magnetic, skilful and powerful. She speaks volumes with her silence. It must be a real privilege to share the stage with these great actresses, but this is a double edged sword, it only serves to highlight ones inexperience and limitation. Cody Caprari is the 16 year old actress who plays the daughter; it’s a good try but she still has a long way to go. All the ingredients are there, I’m just not absolutely sure the batter has been fully blended. Perhaps the show needs to run in a little more or perhaps the Director has taken the cake out of the oven a little early. That said; the play has been playing on my mind since. I’m glad I saw it, catch it if you can. TRIPTYCH 6 April – 6 May 2007 Market Theatre – Barney...
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