The Festival of Fools

As you know, communication has various forms.

I believe we live in an extremely visually motivated world today. While I am (sadly) consumed by the all hypnotic colossal 'hep', I am also humbly moved by that which is not blatant.

I am rather curious of all the books I have not read, of the plays I have not watched, of the movies I have not seen, of the paintings I have not known-- am curious for my own selfishness.

I was in my bed that Saturday morning....the brochure of the Festival that was on my stand finally kicked me out of the bed and I left to see street theatre in Belfast. One of those many decisions am tremendously proud of.

The Festival of Fools is exactly what it is...a celebration of all that is creative and absurd at first but meant to make one happy.

The acts were local and international and meant to entertain anybody young or old. Physical strength and grace came together without hesitation. The quirky, the mystical, the sheer cheesy made the streets alive. I felt for one afternoon I was in performing art heaven.

The honesty of each performance and its proximity made it more than special to me.

This Festival is an effort to promote performing arts and sadly does not have funding. This only reminded me of the situation in India where theatre, classical dance and other non 'main stream' art is struggling. Alas.

All this Talk...Will there be change?

I work in the development sector and the small organisation that I currently volunteer with, SERVE, is involved hugely in advocacy of the many issues of the developing world.

No, there is no advertising budget. No there is no external planning, marketing, or PR agency. We do not even own a photocopying machine.

As we constantly are in the know of all that takes place with our partners in Brazil, South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, India, Thailand and The Philippines it is difficult to ignore those who are ignorant. The issues are many...need I spell out.. well.. access to education, gender inequality, maternal health, infant mortality, trade laws---indeed can ramble on for at least 10minutes...but you would know of them.

I am not complaining...because I did...I decided to be part of the solution...

Like me there are so many who keep all these issues on the agenda and spend their life lobbying, fighting, protesting, speaking , writing, documenting to make that CHANGE..for all those who are less fortunate.

As part of our work, at SERVE, we work together very hard all the 5 of us to organise various workshops for schools. These workshops are lessons that have to be taught to the next generation who will grow into more wholesome individuals. That is the HOPE! That is the effect we would aim for!

The objective is not only inspire these young adults to sign up on any sort of volunteering project but also to keep in mind the issues and begin conversations. Small conversations lead to revolutions that translate to change.

I delivered my first workshop today---about the barriers to development. I only hope those young girls do get inspired in good time.