SOUTHSIDE RISE - REVOLUTION
“14 Schools. 100 Warriors. 1 Village.”
Black Friars are back with the 3rd and final instalment of Southside Rise and have struck theatrical Gold once again. This moving, thought provoking piece has blown away it’s audience with the sheer talent, passion and professionalism from students barely old enough to vote. The show left me in absolute awe of both the students, for sharing their revolutionary stories with us, and the Black Friars for giving them the tools to do so.
The Show!
At Southside Grammar, there’s the Hacker, the Polyfest Leader, the Artist, the Debater and the Story-teller. Each student using their unique talents to navigate their way through life as a young, brown, South Auckland student. Each student was faced with their own individual obstacle when an unforgiving Principal takes away their tools of expression. Whether it was Polyfest, Art, or Debate - the kids won’t stand for it!
This is where the theme of NO MORE comes in - the students of Southside Grammar will tolerate NO MORE and will do whatever it takes to fight back.We follow the students as they go about standing against the oppressor in their own ways. Sometimes bumping heads with one another, but ultimately - Iron sharpens Iron. The Students pick their battles wisely, hold their tongues when need be, push back at authority when need be, and call bullshit. WHEN NEED BE.
“Sometimes Mya, you gotta burn shit down to start again”
It’s no secret - South Auckland, for the most part get a bad wrap in the media and are heavily stereotyped. This show challenged every one of those stereotypes, and burned them down in flames of song and laughter.
This 1 Village made of 100 students from 14 different schools from South Auckland easily brought their audience to tears. Including myself. From the beautiful LIVE band and the choir who serenaded the audience to tears, to the actors who had us in fits one minute, and solemn the next. I was absolutely taken aback by the TALENT and PASSION, the PROFESSIONALISM and DEDICATION these students displayed.
At first I was taken by surprise - then I remembered where these kids were from - and then it made sense.
South Auckland Breeds Talent
This show challenges it's audience to choose our battles wisely, ask questions! challenge the social norm and to not succumb to the stereotypes society has perpetuated against us, but most of all - Only the Hood can Heal the Hood. In the 4 weeks of rehearsals, these kids and their tutors from Black Friars have created a Masterpiece. Their hard work and dedication shines through their performances, where allthought young, these students commanded your attention for the duration of the show and then some.
By the end of the show - there wasn't a dry eye in the house!
When asked "What do you want the audience to take from this show?" Lead actress/student Doreen Bureta responded
The True stories we told, that we're all ONE and that Only the Hood can Heal the Hood
All in all, if you are looking to be inspired, if you’re looking to be educated, and if you’re looking to unpack that internalised prejudice you have against South Auckland - this show is most definitely one for you!
At a mere $23 per adult - and less for children, it’s a STEAL! So head out to Mangere Arts Centre before Thursday the 13th which will be their last show to wrap up the beautiful, Revolutionary series that was SOUTHSIDE RISE.
Written By: Destiny Momoiseā
Photo Credits: Simualata Pope, Arizona Leger, Leonard Folau, Viola Johansson.