The Importance of Cross Cultural Artistic Collaboration

 Atlanta, July 26th 2013 | Danai Gurira

We are in an era where cultural isolation is not only no longer acceptable it is an absolute liability. I grew up in Zimbabwe, though born in the American Midwest. My experience has always been a cross cultural one: I was raised by Zimbabwean parents who spent two decades in the US, from the 60s to the 80s and returned to a new African nation. They returned to build their family and invest their Western education and experience in this nation’s future. I grew up in Zimbabwe in a home full of African American literature, from James Baldwin to Toni Morrison, where the mantlepiece was (and still is) decorated by a picture of Martin Luther King that he signed for my mother. I also grew up in a house with parents who spoke mainly Shona to one another, though mainly English to me. Where Sadza (traditional Zimbabwean Meal) was on the dinner table on Friday night and pancakes on Saturday morning. I was in a world where the American influence was apparent but the Zimbabwean presence was resonant. I was raised a Zimerican.

In my adult years, since returning to America and pursuing a career, I have developed an insatiable need to link these two seeming disparate cultures and narratives. I have a deep yearning to see the Zimbabwean artist gain American expertise to enhance their dramatic voice and chronicle their stories with skill. I have a deep need also to see the American gain a more complex and comprehensive understanding of the many nuances and dimensions of the African experience. I often yearn for Americans to have a stronger sense of their global citizenship, of how linked we all are, how we can learn from one another, how Africa is not just a bottomless pit of need but a place of vibrance and brilliance, with people who are innovative and inspiring. I feel the moment for a more comprehensive interaction between these two places is long overdue; with a man of African heritage and an African name in the White House, how much more of an indicator do we need? I also yearn to see the African speak for themselves in all circles that concern them, from Human Rights to Hollywood movies. Almasi is the beginning of my contribution to this desire within me, it is the start of what I hope for, where citizens of the world, or at least the worlds I come from, can celebrate both their differences and their similarities, learn from one another, and grow. 

The moment we are in currently as an organization is one where the contribution and participation of this cross cultural community is crucial to this organization’s growth and productivity. Consider becoming a part of this effort, either through contributing your skills, your time, or making a direct donation.

The voices of participating Zimbabwean and American artists alike in our blog speak to the power of this moment. Projects underway are really exciting. Co-founder Patience Tawengwa arrives in the US tomorrow to commence a month long mentorship at Princeton University with Tony award winning playwright and director Emily Mann. Nikkole Salter arrives in Zimbabwe in mid September to teach aspiring playwrights. Last week, August Wilson's words were spoken for the first time ever on Zimbabwean soil! The tangibility of these projects and more to come are only brought to fruition by those who believe that now is the moment to culturally and subjectively embark on a collaborative journey. Become a part of this moment if you haven’t already, its pretty thrilling. Don’t miss out.