Monday 5 th of June 2023, NMS learners in grade 10 to 12 accompanied by their subject teachers attended the movement theatre discourse - Tongue Smell Color - https://hdl.handle.net/2333.1/b2rbp9fk created by Dr. Brenda Dixon-Gottschild and Hellmut Gottschild, in 1999. Through the lens of a historical and cultural perspective, it examines how race, sex and power have played a role in their experiences as an interracial couple. "Tongue Smell Color" combines dance, mime, choreography, and words and provokes audiences to interrogate racism in their own lives.
The learners' feedback on the workshop on racism and antisemitism highlights the transformative power of such educational programs. By cultivating a safe environment for unlearning prejudice, increasing awareness, enhancing empathy, and providing tools for constructive dialogue, as it was indicated by the learner’s engagement throughout the workshops empower learners at NMS to combat racism and antisemitism. Tongue Smell Color highlights the importance of acquiring practical tools for learners with newfound knowledge and empathy, a collective effort towards building a more just and inclusive NMS community. Many learners commended the emphasis on active listening, respectful communication, and the ability to navigate difficult conversations in a different educational medium as it was in conducted in the workshop.
Laura AbiQ1-Q2 – I wanted to thank the performers greatly for showing us such a moving piece. It portrayed, with elegance and originality, the hardships and misunderstandings of Racism through different perspectives, while using an innovative way of teaching. Without using the traditional ways of words being spoken, one understands and can move with the performers into a different setting of time and place for when and where the topics were most prominent.
It was confusing at first, throwing the audience into an unknown setting. But soon when approaching topics learned in school, one could recognize the message behind acts and movements done a specific way. What spoke to me the most was, what I interpreted as, the main topic of the piece: Curiosity. The way both performers were able to reflect and educate me on the negative and positives of curiosity and how it is who experiences it in which setting from what people, astounded me. I loved the fact that curiosity can be good and used as a way to form relationships with those from a community yet unbeknownst to oneself. However, I also understood that when used with malicious intent or not the right education oneself has had, which is dependent on where and when one has grown up, it can be seen in a negative light. I felt that the use of names/ nomos is a serious and touching topic one must also touch upon in society. Names given, such as the r-word, n-word or one’s own name have a deep meaning rooted by generational trauma, history and or character building. The use of these words affects the individual like curiosity does. It is dependent on the setting, time and ethnic heritage one has grown up with. The misuse of these names can harm others but also the abolition of one’s own given name can affect one’s character and confidence as well. One is given a name from birth. It carries meaning and history from the day one is born to the day one dies. To ignore or change one’s name because at, mostly white, person cannot pronounce it is an extreme violation to one’s personality, history and confidence. So removing it from oneself to someone else’s pleasure or advantage can only be seen negatively.
Lila 10a – I found the generational perspective of the performance very enlightening. This movie was made in the perspective of people who are more closely connected to important events of our past, ones that are directly related to racism and classism. As a member of the younger generation I think it’s important to remember this perspective and compare it to our own. So I wanted to thank you (Brenda Dixon-Gottschild and Helmut Gottschild) for coming and reminding us.
Eloise IB12 - I was greatly intrigued by the way topics that surround us and are part of our daily lives were not just expressed and discussed with words but were embodied within this beautiful performance. The topics of the male gaze, that is placed and pressured upon many of us, expectations within a relationship, based on stereotypes placed upon individuals, and ideas around curiosity, all pulled me in and most importantly made me reflect on who I am in our society. What curiosity do I have towards others, but also how are others curious about me? Thinking about where curiosity crosses a line, breaking boundaries... This is what stayed with me. Curiosity is a positive and attractive thing, that I would say aims to break the hesitance when confronted with the fearful unknown, but needs to be persecuted with limits and respect.
Mayse AbiQ1-Q2 – I want to thank you on behalf of the student body for taking time out of your schedule to come all the way out here to give us this educational workshop. It was incredibly loving and we’re lucky to have seen this kind of art, let alone meet the artists. Matters like racism, anti-semitism or any form of discrimination are incredibly deep rooted and must be discussed. Thank you for using your artistic talents to share your experiences and views. It is much appreciated.
Dr. Brenda Dixon-Gottschild – It was an uplift and an inspiration for Hellmut and me to be with your
enlightened students! WE FELT THE LOVE, from the moment we entered the auditorium. Also, we were pleased to see our video on a large screen, twenty-+ years after making it. It is, indeed, a work that reinforces our love of movement theater AND creating works that speak to social justice.
