The transformative power of the arts
AS I watched the tribute concert of the late Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder Joseph Tshabalala, I was reminded of what the American composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim once said: ‘Art, in itself, is an attempt to bring order out of chaos’.
Although obviously unwell at the time, it was evident that the renditions of his many worldrenowned songs had transported the doyen to days gone by.
He brimmed with pride as he watched his sons taking the baton and moving forward.
That moment revealed a secret weapon we need to recognise. As it has been before, arts remain the cornerstone of every nation’s pride, beliefs and being.
Without the arts, no nation can call itself such, and will forever be regarded as inferior in the family of nations. It is in this context that arts practitioners should be supported in all possible ways.
South Africa is devouring itself at an alarming speed and no one seems able to halt the rot. In my opinion, the arts is the answer.
Imagine the positive transformation the arts could have in restoring our self-worth in times like these.
If the country were to become one big theatre, we all would understand the value of the arts in our lives.
As Covid-19 has demonstrated, artists are underestimated and often vilified. But the pandemic is a culmination of years of enduring maltreatment, pirating of artists’ assets and siphoning of their hardearned money by those who handle their finances.
Consequently, far too many have died paupers while the unscrupulous laughed all the way to the bank.
In a country that needs spiritual renewal, the arts are there to feed the soul.
In the dark days, the arts played a pivotal role in enlightening the public about the excesses of apartheid.
The cultural boycott helped speed up change.
If the arts could help change a stubborn system like apartheid, it can equally transform the lives of those who have lost all hope.
There are no language barriers and the arts speak directly to the heart. It is only when our hearts are touched that our thoughts, perceptions and attitudes will undergo change.
No amount of moralising will reawaken consciences. If indeed the arts are a catalyst for a different path, imagine the revolution that would follow if each community had at least one theatre, gallery, museum or library.
Such entities have the power to inspire us to think of, feel about and look at life differently.
The arts may be underestimated, but since everything else has failed, it can come to the rescue of many lost souls.
As Sondheim said, only the arts can reign in the chaos that’s engulfed the nation.
If arts were to be given its due, legends such as Tshabalala would surely smile in our direction.
Issues at Stake
If the arts could help change a stubborn system such as apartheid, it can equally transform the lives of those who have lost all hope, writes DR KHAYA GQIBITHOLE