CapeConversation

6th Oct, Cape Town : An inquisitive group of 15 gathered to explore the curious communal worship event “Light Curators”.

The first section was “Void” wherein total darkness gave way to subtle questions such as “Where does the lightning reside?” to the sumptuous strains of Sibelius’ “Swan of Tuonela”. This was followed by “Let”, the Genesis creation account, emphasizing the role of light and dark, over Underworlds brooding “River of Bass”.

The third section, “Curate”, centered on the idea of not hiding ones light but being the light of the world. A reading explored the role of the curator, tying this up with the call to let ones light shine, accompanied by VJ Estrella’s impromptu rendition of images.

An animation by photographer Rob Mills explored themes of light and dark, freedom and captivity via dance. After this came Ikon’s “My Low” in which participants were invited to explore some movement and the Massive Attack-style mumble “My low, my high, my light…”.

The focus of the event was the section “Name” where those willing came forward and lit a candle, naming their darkness and their light. Names were presented onscreen :

dark : self / fear / judgment / my art / isolation / control / fear / self / trying / habit / sleep / exclusion / indifference

light : god’s spirit / Christ / acceptance / my art / engagement / order / love / grace / hope / joy / inclusion / birth

Once the menorah had been lit, with overflow candles, a celebratory ending, “Hanukkah”, or festival of light, was enjoyed to Van Morrison’s “When God shines his light” and Bob Marley’s “Sun is shining”. Various experiments with camera and candle ensued.

The general feeling was positive and warm; a round of wine and cheese, introductions and conversation, finished off the evening.