“They’ll probably say we have lots of sheep” and “Do they even know where we are?”. “I bet they think we’re part of Australia”. These were among the responses given when I asked the PreNZelers (Pretzel NZ) what they thought the ‘others’ would say about them. None of the preconceptions were to be revealed until after we had made our intro video - so my next question was ‘Well then, what do you want to say about you and about New Zealand? By ‘others’ I mean the young theatre makers in the other four pilot pretzel countries - Abu Dhabi, Canada, England and China. On this, they were sure. Sustainability, sport, food, scenery, weather, earthquakes and mythbusting!
Read moreCivil Disco-bedience: It’s time to dance for your life
As an environmental activist and a dancer/choreographer, I had the opportunity to combine two of my passions at Civil Disco-bedience on 11th February. Led by the State Member of Parliament for Newtown, Jenny Leong, this action mirrored other Disco-bedience actions organised by Extinction Rebellion. The idea is simple: dance down the street to Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees dressed in 70s clothing to draw attention to the existential crisis that faces us all.
Read moreLeader Interview: Ian Mouser, Recipient of the Lewis Prize
Last month, The Lewis Prize for Music — a newly established philanthropy that’s ambitiously investing in music leaders to facilitate positive change and increase access to music education — announced its inaugural class of awardees. A total of nearly $2 million is being awarded to leaders of music programs and organizations across the country.
We had the opportunity to connect with Ian Mouser, who received one of the inaugural awardees to chat about his work as an artist, educator, and community leader.
Read moreYoung Musicians Share Song of Peace and Hope at the Staples Center
Earlier this year, Distant Cousins, a band of three seasoned musicians based in LA, collaborated with students from Pressman Academy and Islah Academy to produce a new song, “Pangea." Their process and work has been amplified to new heights when they were invited to headline Interfaith Night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles last month.
Read moreWe Go Together Like… Pretzels and Theatre?
Across the globe, groups of students, led by passionate educators are creating their own pieces of theatre that will connected to ours. As the project grows, so will the theatre pieces. It is our hope that each country will be able to create unique theatre experiences that include digital, or perhaps live streamed performances from other countries. As this new project unfolds I know all of the founders are excited to see how the connection between our students’ grow and how we can all learn more about each other as the journey continues.
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