‘A mountain top experience’

Reflections on ‘I Am Lysistrata’, by participant Sheila

The day began cloudy, windy, choppy and rainy. The weather suited my mood exactly.

As I waited to board a train to a choir session, my friend Joy called my name. We were standing at the same platform. She explained about Makani and the theatre project they were developing. I loved what she said and asked her politely if she could help me get involved.

That day I went back home feeling sunny inside although the weather outside was still the same. First day of the session I was late, lost and wet. The moment I stepped in, I was greeted warmly and I felt at home. Someone made me a cup of tea - I can’t remember who - and I was given a nice spot to sit.

The session began and though I was not able to understand everything, something awakened in my heart. Stirrings of excitement were birthed. The pathway began and I enjoyed the conversation and got involved. The exchange of ideas and thoughts made me realise what a talented group I had joined. I couldn’t believe I was part of it as the play began to unfold. I was hooked.

The way Sepy and Carmen and all the others helped us was beyond my comprehension. Now that we have the script and have begun rehearsing, I really feel that what people are going to witness is a Hollywood show. A mountain top experience. A show that will linger in their minds for a long time and one that they will still be talking about in their old days.

The confidence shown by all the women is a pleasure to watch. To me it’s a dream come true being in the group. It is a turning point in my life and will be one for all the audiences who are going to watch this.

Photography by Rah Petherbridge.