Watching this show is an extraordinary experience. Joy rolls off the tiny stage in great waves and every dopamine receptor in your system dances to the beat.
Yes-Ya-Yebo is an hour that goes straight to your heart.
Performed by a group of young South Africans, who have been part of the ongoing work of of the Imibala Trust, who work with children from the most impoverished townships there. One of their programmes is Creative and Performing Arts and this cast have come through that.
Siphosethu, Avuyile (known as AV), Salizwa, Simnikiwe (known as Goodwill), Timeka, Ahlume and Dondre sing and dance and drum their way through this hour and it is a body and soul thrill. There is minimal cohesion as such: the barest hint of narrative thread and a slight problem with audibility in the few links that there are mean that we are allowed simply to enjoy the energy, the rhythm and the happiness. We are introduced to the twelve languages of South Africa through everything from traditional dance to more modern.
The sheer positive energy emanating from these young men and women feels as if it could save the planet. The work of the Imibala Trust, it seems, has certainly saved them.
I am impressed to learn that The Pear Tree pub are paying for their accommodation and their flights are taken care of by Mervyn Stutter’s fundraising Gala.
You really should make space in your day for this show.
Spike Milligan wrote “Smiling is infectious, you catch it like the flu. When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.” Go and get yourself a dose.
Yes Ya Yebo: 17.30, Laughing Horse @ The Counting House
