If there was a prize for extraordinary book launches, then DEEP would win it for the sheer ingenuity, originality and pizazz. Some 400 people swam through the doors of the Two Oceans Aquarium to celebrate the launch of Tania van Schalkwyk’s debut poetry collection, Hyphen, last Thursday night.
Henrietta Rose-Innes, bathed in the greenish light from the I&J Preditor Exhibit, read a chilling passage from Shark’s Egg under the watchful eye of a circling shark; Helen Moffett’s feisty manifesto to the penis, Sarah Lotz’s dark mermaid tale and Hugh Hodge’s lyrical praise poem honouring and introducing van Schalkwyk all spilled over the kelp-like cables of the musicians and microphones.
So much talent in one place, the festivities were expertly emceed by Suzy Bell, who ensured a smooth flow of contributions from Gus Ferguson, Malika Ndlovu, Jamala Safari, Mwila Mamuwe, Toni Stuart and Justin Fox.
Van Schalkwy read a few short poems. Her work is subtle and profound. Deep. One needs a long quiet interlude after all the bustle of the evening to soak it all in. She acknowledged the mentoring she’d received from Stephen Watson, who was present in the audience.
Here are two clips from her reading:
Video: Tania van Schalkwyk reads “Gardening”
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z0GKfc2eBM[/youtube]
Video: Tania van Schalkwyk reads “Siren Song”
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASthtCg-6go[/youtube]
There was much more. Kai Lossgott’s mystical videos in the adjoining auditorium, Rebecca Townsend’s origami boats made of green and aqua-coloured glass lit from below and the thrumming double bass of Benguela were just a sample of the astonishing treats delivered on a spectacular evening.
Helen Lockhart of the Two Oceans Aquarium said takings at the door amounted to R16 000, most of which will go to the institution’s Adopt-a-School programme. “We were bowled over. It’s fantastic to see support for the arts going to a worthy cause. This money will help to bring children in who have never seen the sea.” She welcomed Fairview’s sponsorship of cheese and wine that contributed to the flow of good vibes.
Beyond the walls of the aquarium, mermaids and sea mithers, selkies and sprites, celebrate the event still as the gift of sharing goes on.
Poets, Sea Creatures & Other Party Animals
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August 3rd, 2009 @13:33 #
Stunning report, stunning event, and amaaaaazing pics, Liesl. That one of Sarah reflected in a glass darkly... she should use it as an official author pic. Also particularly like the one of Gus F darting his eyes nervously at the red-eyed shark about to land on his head.
The talent on display that night was awesome. Really feel privileged to have been part of such a grand jamboree. Particularly liked the poems put up as transparencies on the Aquarium displays, so I got to see fish flicking about behind my words about flickering fish. The poems have been matched quite carefully to the denizens of tanks, so it's worth a visit to the aquarium to check them out. Tania's Siren Song melt-at-the-knees stuff.
Wish to clarify for the benefit of my father, all nuns I have known, former students, etc that the penis poem is a JOKE. But the men in the audience seemed to like it -- some even told me so.
August 3rd, 2009 @14:22 #
Urgh, suffering from a severe case of Cape Town envy again. It's almost better if I don't read about events like this.
August 3rd, 2009 @14:51 #
Great report and photos from an unforgettable night. Michelle, Arthur, Tania and all the aquarium peeps put on a brilliant evening of wonderfullness. I think it should be an annual fund-raising event (and if I'm ever invited to write a horror story for an event again, I promise not to shoot a mermaid in the head next time).
August 3rd, 2009 @16:32 #
Henrietta, Shark's Egg and the shark - classic picture, Liesl. Surely historic in CT to have 400 people at a reading? What with poets, Cosmic carp, sharks, turtles and playerfish circling all about, it was a splendid evening and I agree, Sarah, should be an annual event ... Suzy Bell was brilliant - there were some problems with sound in the beginning, but Suzy handled it, and what's more was wearing fabulous red shoes ... love red shoes in general, but these were seriously noteworthy - vintage ruby velvet vamp wedges. Stellar.
August 3rd, 2009 @18:23 #
Great report, great recitation
August 4th, 2009 @08:08 #
Thank you to all the artists, organisers and audience for making DEEP such fun! And thank you to Liesl and BOOKSA for the great write-up and photos. THANK YOU!