“Last year was the thirtieth anniversary of his death, and I felt that there was not enough done to celebrate his life.” Says Sandy Rudd the Theatre Director for a play that celebrates the life of the late legendary Namibian Visual Artist John Muafangejo, at the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN).
“He was just a man but also a visionary, he had beautiful vision of the world and I love his vision like that of black and white holding hands forever.”
John Ndevasia Muafangejo (born 5 October 1943 in Etunda lo Nghadi, Angola; died 27 November 1987 in Katutura Township, Windhoek) was a Namibian artist who became internationally known as a maker of woodcut prints. He became internationally known as one of the most influential African artists of the 20th century.
“I originally called the play Life Is Interesting, because it’s one of his, and life is very interesting. I want us to celebrate him. He was just a man but also a visionary, he had beautiful vision of the world and I love his vision like that of black and white holding hands forever. He was visionary and also was bipolar.” Says Sandy who explains that she knew him personally, “He was my neighbour in 1982.”
“He never shows any anger, and people have likened his illness and madness and ramblings to Van Gogh.”
John Muafangejo experienced the difficulty of living with mental illness as is documented in the history of his life. However, as Sandy explains, “He never shows any anger, and people have likened his illness and madness and ramblings to Van Gogh.”
I am John, a Love Story of Celebrating the Life and Times of John Muafangejo, will be on stage from the 10th to the 12th of October 2018. “I called it a love story because I fell in love with him and I want Namibia to fall in love with him again. He’s one of the grand and great ancestors. He needs to be remembered, and remembered with love and respect.” Says Sandy.
“People underestimate the power of arts, how it informs; engages and empowers. Great art must be appreciated. We as Namibians should be celebrating the fact that we had this great man in our presence.”
His work powerfully depicting people and events expressed in black and white imagery – often combine text with images, and contain references to the history and culture of Namibia. John Muafangejo created linocuts, woodcuts, and etchings. In addition, the relative inexpensiveness of the medium and the fact that it does not require sophisticated printing equipment made it an attractive and feasible option for many black printmakers.
When asked why people should attend her tribute to the life and times of John Muafangejo, Sandy explains, “People underestimate the power of arts, how it informs; engages and empowers. Great art must be appreciated. We as Namibians should be celebrating the fact that we had this great man in our presence.”
I am John, a Love Story of Celebrating the Life and Times of John Muafangejo, opens at the National Theatre of Namibia on the 10th of October.
Tickets are available at computicket: https://online.computicket.com/