undefined liturgists – Light Curators
October 7, 2007 at 7:40 pm | In cape town, community, emergent spirituality, worship | 8 Comments6th 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.
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This was a great evening – I was particuarly moved by Rob’s footage of the dancer – I keep thinking back to those images! Nic you chose the perfect music for each section and it really amazes me how apt each piece is for the topic at hand – well done, it was inspiring!
Comment by VJ Estrella — October 8, 2007 #
I really enjoyed the whole evening – it was nice to meet new faces and be part of something so different to the usual.
I really enjoyed the use of imagery and movement along with a spiritual focus. I’m all for saying let’s include that in our liturgy!
Comment by Envoy — October 8, 2007 #
sounds like you had a wonderful evening together and we look forward to being a part of a future event, when back in kaapstad. go well one and all. russ.
Comment by liquidlight — October 8, 2007 #
I’m very sorry and disappointed that Theresa and I were not part of Saturday’s event. We were both looking forward to it.
I had given some thought to the idea of being a “light Curator” and concept of Light symbolizing “Hopefulness”.(to coin an old saying: “The light at the end of the tunnel”)
My thoughts on Darkness would have been as not negitive but possibly seen as a neutral place of “Nothingness”.
But maybe this exploration is for another time.
Comment by Andrew — October 8, 2007 #
I am becoming aware of the power of images to not only inspire and interest, but also to switch us into a receptive but passive mode. The challenge is to become inspired enough to participate and to be propelled into action (whatever that is), and not to be numbed down…… We were pre-prepared with our dark and light “names”, and the candle ceremony was great. Can we do this each time?
Comment by Jan — October 8, 2007 #
Ta all for continuing the conversation:
Estrella – I am trying to find a way to usefully employment of my musical fussiness, so I am very glad the effect of the playlist was “aptness”. I am very taken by how music speaks, sometimes it is very particular, so to get the right music in a meaning-laden situation is a challange.
Envoy – it was great to have you there. I’d love to hear YOUR ideas for how to use imagery.
Liquidlight – as usual sorely missed. Thanks for alerting me to River of Bass. Does it sound like a creation anthem to you?
Andrew – I understand – life gets hectic and dates go up in smoke. Would have loved to have your “Dharma” input, it still went into the mix somewhere.
Jan – very good point. Images seem to be quite tied up with passivity in our TV culture. I wonder if staring at 1 icon of Madonna and Child for an hour for example would have the same soporific effect. Is it the movement and constant change, or something else? What do you want to do each time – candles, or active ceremony? I wouldn’t say no to either. Candles are an enduring icon of worship, and participation – confession – active worship – is the whole point. It’s an interesting question – how to make “contemplation” into something active?
Comment by nic paton — October 8, 2007 #
Community – Participation, Creativity – Imagery, Symbolisim – Sacred!
I felt very moved by the time of participation in sharing our darkness, and our light and using the candle. The way all of what we shared, was put up, was also powerful to see.
I’m currently working through a current and relevant way to communicate what I believe, and the imagery, video and music of the evening all helped me begin to process relevant content and ways to do this! Very inspiring….!
Till the next time!
Comment by stewdio — October 9, 2007 #
Was nice to be part of this. It is an important collective exploration of new ways of expression and the technology component is significant and in time will become more fluid and spontaneous. As an introvert I always find gatherings full of people I have not met difficult – unless I am “performing” or hosting (same kind of thing). I would like to try the informal, chatting around a table thing first then go into the planned, more structured stuff a little more loosened up. The light and dark thing worked well.
Comment by Rob — October 10, 2007 #