(Iain “EWOK” Robinson)
The Performing Arts
Network of South Africa (PANSA) certainly pulled out all the stops when it came
to inviting influential artists to take part in the celebratory 10th
anniversary of their prestigious Musho!
Among these, and
making his appearance at the Festival at the Catalina Theatre last night, was
Durban’s remarkable and hugely talented spoken word artist, rapper, graffiti
artist, activist and slam poet, Iain “EWOK” Robinson, a.k.a. Creamy Ewok
Baggends.
Last seen giving a
hilarious and gloriously camp performance as the evil magician,
Abanazar, in Kickstart’s pantomime Aladdin,
Robinson proved his versatility with his commanding and awe-inspiring appearance
on the Catalina stage.
Robinson started
performing his one-man spoken word productions as part of a Catalina Theatre
initiative called the Blue Monday Platform in 2004.He also won the audience
favourite award at the 2006 Musho! Festival. Back to Blue Monday is a compilation of his favourite works from
that era as well as items from the new shows he is working on.
In his works
Robinson uses biting satire as he digs deep into all the social ills which
beset our country and the world today. He leaves no stone unturned as he
exposes the injustices, inequalities and inequities prevalent in the world. His
anger is apparent as he speaks on these subjects, but he also uses considerable
humour, as well as cynicism and mockery, along with the satire, to get his
messages across.
The titles of his
poems speak for themselves. He performed, among others, Bullets for Babies, Smart Phones, That’s Joburg, I’m Waiting for the
Day When Cigarettes Taste Good Again and
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.
All display an
absolute mastery of the English language and exquisite use of words. They are
also delivered with skill and authority.
I have long been a
fan of Iain “Ewok” Robinson’s acting skills, but I am now also sold on his
spoken word performances, and can’t wait to see him again.
Musho! runs until
Sunday evening (January 18) offering a variety of one-off performances. For the
full Musho! Festival programme visit www.mushofestival.co.za
Tickets R50. (R30
students, OAP and PANSA members) booked via Computicket or by phoning 031 837
5999.
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