B - Boys from France

By Afdhel Aziz

The French dance troupe Accrorap's newest show 'Kelkemo' took to the stage last week, bringing together two of the three legs of hip hop culture - music and breakdancing (the third being graffiti). While hip hop may seem like an American export, its popularity has spread around the world from South East Asia to Europe.

In face, French is a wonderfully liquid language, well suited for rapping as the likes of Francophile hip hop artists MC Solaar and others have proved. And the proliferation of breakdancing crews in the immigrant-filled banlieus (suburbs) of major cities like Lyons, Marseilles and Paris is testament to the dance form's potency as an expression of youthful emotions. Visit the Parisian neighbourhood of Les Halles and you will see crews dancing with abandon everywhere - in the subway, on the streets, in front of the public library.

With many immigrants hailing from Morocco, Algiers and neighbouring countries, the influence of North African music has seeped into the urban reality of hip hop, creating a fascinating confluence of instruments and vocals. This diversity was reflected in Accrorap's choice of music which brought in classical influences, Turkish zouk music, synthesized rock, all underpinned by custom designed breakbeats. The troupe performed a unique combination of acrobatic contemporary dance moves mixed in with classic breakdance steps like the lock, the pop, and the electric boogaloo.

Showing phenomenal upper body strength, they also performed headspins, aeroplanes and one nifty stunt where one wiry little dancer ran straight up a wall and did a backflip, landing back on his feet - all much appreciated by the audience. However, the audience seemed unprepared for the heavy dose of contemporary dance in the show, which drew heavily on symbols of conflict and division in an attempt to highlight the pain and evil of war that was the theme of the whole evening. Born while the troupe was touring the war-torn former Yugoslavia, the metaphors in their pieces are easily translatable to the ethnic conflict in this country - the meaninglessness of hate, the sadness and anger of conflict, the futility of struggle.

The evening began with a three song set by Brown Boogie Nation, back in action after a long lay-off. At this stage, I should declare a vested interest in the band; I used to manage the boys a long time ago. Nice to see them back in effect - however they need to sharpen up their stage act, get some new material and do a better soundcheck before they go on - their mikes were way too loud, rendering ninety percent of their lyrics indistinguishable.

The evening ended with an old school free style session, Brown Boogie Nation and members of Accrorap exchanging verses and rhymes, while the dancers throwing down a brace of b-boy moves. All in all, much appreciated by the mostly teenage audience - if the French Embassy and the Alliance Francaise want to encourage better links between the youth of both countries, then they can do no better than to keep bringing music and dance acts like Accrorap down to Sri Lanka. After all, what they do reflect. The modern, multicultural atmosphere of France just as much as Moliere, Debussy and Flaubert.

The entire Marine Corps is on trial and A Few Good Men are about to ignite an explosive episode in US history...How far do you follow orders is the question

An award winning film now on stage

one man is dead. Two are accused of murder. The entire Marine Corps is on trial and 'A Few Good Men' are about to ignite the most explosive episode in US military history...

An Aaron Sorkin play, 'A Few Good Men' takes more than just a few men to make it good. The play was a Hollywood hit movie starring Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, Kiefer Sutherland, and Kevin Bacon and was critically acclaimed, winning several Academy Award nominations. It's a huge challenge for any professional theatrical company, let alone a school.

Yet this ambitious and a talented bunch of thespians from Elizabeth Moir School, under the able guidance of Julia Harriman, have taken on this challenging production. Following hot on the heels of the resounding success of 'Oliver,' the school embarks on a piece of theatre that will excite the senses as well as the mind.

Director Julia Harriman has absolute faith in her cast of young men and women and is impressed by their talent, commitment, energy, and hard work. With only the bare script to go by, she boldly asserts that they will bring alive the intrigue, passion, and suspense that Sorkin envisaged.

"This theatrical event is not just about selling tickets, putting on your best dress and looking forward to your ice cream at the interval, but making the hairs stand up on the back of your neck, making sure you, as a spectator, become an integral part of the experience."

'A Few Good Men' is a masterpiece that deals with the moral issue: How far do we follow orders without question? Are officers to follow orders under all conditions, even in instances of foul play, or do they use their own judgement and discretion? This play is a controversial and contemporary play that deals with the issues of discipline and how necessary and effective it is. Hence, are the officers who carry out their duty a few good men, or are they criminals for the lack of self judgement?

The plot develops when US marine officer Santiago is killed and two officers stand trial for his murder. The two officers Dawson and Downey stand trial for the murder of the officer and are convicted without proper representation and trial. Commander Joanne Galloway or Jo suspects foul play and is joined by Navy Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee to try to save the officers' lives. Kaffee is a junior grade lawyer who for the first time is forced into a criminal murder trial.

There are chilling courtroom scenes in which there is a battle of wits between Kaffee and commanding officer Colonel Jessep to prove the innocence or guilt of the two officers. Jo stands for the officers and believes that there is tampering of evidence and foul play on the part of the Marine Corps to convict them. On the other hand, Jessep, the fiery and egotistical marine commander, believes in absolute discipline and loyalty within the Marine Corps; he believes that Santiago's death, while unfortunate, was justified and helped to save civilian lives by strengthening the marine defence unit. Kaffee and Jo, on the other hand, believe that marine secrecy should not be un fait complet, and the climax of the play develops when Colonel Jessep is cross-examined by Kaffee.

The production has been designed in such a way as to give maximum impact to the acting and the dialogue. The set is simplicity itself. It consists merely of three staggered levels with no painted backdrops and no scene changes.

The actors will move around the stage from scene to scene with very few stage entrances and exits. Gone are the days of waiting for the backstage crew to organize the new set. Gone too are the noises and groans as that very same backstage crew fall over themselves and their props in the blackness. The curtain only descends twice for the performance: for the interval and at the end. Props too are kept to the bare minimum and every effect is created with light.

These lights are used to suggest all atmospheres: from that of a hot summer's day in Cuba, drinking gin and tonics whilst overlooking the sea, to the platoon meeting headed by the fanatical marine officer who is determined to 'train' his men at all costs.

The main roles are played by Olivier Meier (Kaffee) is played by Sasika Fernando (Jo)- with Azmath Mohamad as Colonel Jessep. The production team comprises Julia Harriman (the director), Ellie Hodges, Annette Britton, and Aida Mansoor.

'A Few Good Men' will go on board at the Bishops College Auditorium on November 7 and 8. Tickets are on sale at the Elizabeth Moir Senior School, 15 Guildford Crescent, Colombo 7.

Come on in and RELAX...

Your home should be a calm, serene haven without bad vides. Maggie Colvin shows you how.

Mess Equals Stress. Disarray adds to life's tensions, so tidy up regularly. Keep rooms as spacious as possible and full of light and air. Beware of clutter - sorting and organising gives us a feeling of security, so enjoy it. Allow objects their own space. A casual arrangement of similar or identical items, even just a row of vases, creates a sense of order and harmony within a room.

Practical Tip: If your bookcase looks untidy no matter what, then turn it into a cupboard. You can shut out the mess and hide everything you hate the sight of.

Flower Power: Buy fresh flowers regularly - they put life into your home, along with naturally soothing and harmonious vibrations. Small, well-watered trees are sensous and also have a seductive aroma.

Practical Tip: For inexpensive sweet smells, try fragrance room sprays. Scented candles are also a great way to make your surroundings pleasant.

Sun Shine Days: Not all rooms have great views, but you can pick a colour scheme to remind you of those sunny days. Colour and sunlight have a powerful effect on all of us, so let as much natural light into your rooms as possible. Filter light through venetian blinds if the view from your home is depressing.

Practical Tip: With stencils, you can paint a fake window on a blank wall or on a blind with felt-tip pens. Choose easy-to-copy images and, if necessary, copy shapes from a postcard or poster and transfer them to your design.

Find Your Sanctuary: Create a corner in your home to pray or meditate. Make it a tranquil space that is comfortable and beautiful. The joyful atmosphere will linger and many people will comment on the peace in that room. Entertain a lot and feel the buzz of friends make your home come to life. Ban the TV from where you eat - good communication binds a family together.

Practical Tip: Before making your mind up, hang a piece of paper in the paint colour you are considering for a room to get an idea of the effect.

Soothing Shades: Colour has a deep psychological effect on people's moods. Everybody feels uplifted in a light, bright environment. Strong personalities like bright colours, whereas those of a quieter nature prefer lighter pastel shades. Involve the whole family when choosing colours to redecorate and pick the appropriate shade for each room.

Practical Tip: In the dining room, orange walls are believed to stimulate the appetite and promote conversation and social activity. And a blue bedroom is said to give a peaceful night's sleep.

Clean and tidy interiors enhance your sense of wellbeing. You will feel more secure when everything is in its appointed place

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