Project Malealea Update - March 14, 2009

The day after we showed up in Malealea was a national holiday and we got the chance to join the festivities at the neighboring school. It was overwhelming to see the energy and musicality these wonderful people have. With the breathtaking scenery surrounding us, the day seemed magical. We walked around and played with the kids but didn’t dress up as clowns since we hadn’t warned them of our presence and didn’t want to take any focus away from their event.

The following day was the first time we met the trainees and the caregivers. The morning was dedicated to the trainees, which are the local people we are teaching the residency program to so they can do it themselves when we aren’t here anymore. Some of them speak a little English which will make it easier for me yet all the sessions will be in Sesotho and Sibongile will translate for me when-ever it is needed.
In the afternoon we met the caregivers who are the more elderly people that have taken in one or more orphans or vulnerable children into their homes. The lines on these peoples faces mirror years of a tough existence and the cracks on their hands and feet describe their relationship to the land. I love the fact that here every session here starts and finishes with a song. They all sing really well, they dance and shout and laugh and the energy it creates is astounding. I feel like crying every time.
The following day we went to the two schools that these vulnerable children attend and put on clown shows for the entire schools. What a unique experience it was for me as an artist. A whole bunch of children who didn’t speak any English gathered outside, with the mountains overlooking us. The shows went really well, Jamie and Sibongile had preset numbers that I simply joined and our relationships worked really well. I look forward to our next shows, even though it will be different since Jamie won’t be there.
The work I have been doing here has been inspiring me to start up new projects at home with our Native communities. My mind is constantly thinking of how I can adapt the experience I am gaining here to the work that needs to be done back home.
It’s very demanding here but worth every ounce of energy.
- Maxime Lee Larose
You can find more pictures and updates on his blog: www.maxime303.vox.com. Enjoy!

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