In 2008 ten talented young Namibians from OYO went to visit Berlin and work with a German youth dance troupe called Faster Than Light. This was made possible thanks to p.art.ners, a non-for-profit organisation promoting Arts exchange between the cities of Windhoek and Berlin. This year, the young Germans came to visit Namibia to work with OYO on a new piece.

Twelve young Germans therefore arrived in Windhoek on 19 July and started to work with OYO’s director, Philippe and ten young Namibians on ‘fallen masks’. In line with the nature of the cultural exchange project between Germany and Namibia, where people from two different countries are brought together, Philippe chose to base his choreography on the theme of xenophobia. Xenophobia is the fear of foreigners: in the recent past both countries have seen this fear erupting into violence.

Ignorance of other cultures and languages lead to fear and discrimination, because people do not understand each others’ traditions and behaviours. They also fear that they have to share their resources and jobs with foreigners. Instead of reaching out and accepting foreigners we often discriminate against them. Should we not rather accept and celebrate our differences in a globalizing world?

‘Fallen Masks’ is a contemporary dance piece reflecting on those questions. Based on a famous ‘Bolero’ by Ravel, the piece was led by Nyandee Mbarandongo (‘we were young’, ‘because of them’) from Namibia and Antonija Marusic from Berlin. It was presented at the National Theatre of Namibia on 28 July and in two schools (DHPS and Dawid Bezuidenhout on 29 and 30 July) where it was a great success.

Such international exchanges are extremely important because they allow people to learn from one another. It was a great opportunity for the German group to work in Katutura, at the UN Plaza hall, learn more about the Namibian culture and open their horizon. Through sharing and working towards a common goal (in this case a performance), people get to know each other better and friendships that may last a lifetime are being formed. In the current political environment, where we unfortunately still hear hatred political speeches against foreigners, such projects offer hope and allow for mutual understanding and respect. Such projects are helping us all to become better global citizens.

Choreographer for ‘fallen masks’: Philippe Talavera
The Namibian dancers were from Outjo (Julien Geirises, Mathilde Uses, Irmolie Aibeb and Roach Gaeseb), Omaruru (Cecilie Gabriel and Norman Kapunda), Oshifo (Zito da Cunha), Karibib (Jekson Hangula) and Windhoek (Nyandee Mbarandongo). They were joined by OYO Production Assistant, Cecilia Petrus, based in Opuwo.