Art and politics are inseparable. I have always believed in using art and theatre as a tool to question and challenge the society I live in. An inescapable responsibility of theatre and art is the necessity to be aware of the consequences of choices made. "Art with only one message is not art, it's propaganda" (Hunter S. Thompson). It is not necessary to speak blatant political messages, nor to preach. A simple change in perception, a simple observation expressed with heart can shift mountains.
My first exposure to the power of language and art to change the world was as an eight year old boy in Norway. In a classroom we were told about a poet, Wergeland, who had observed the plight and life of Jews coming to trade in Norway, but who were not allowed to put a foot on Norwegian soil. The poem created such an uproar that the law was repealed. I was thoroughly impressed.
Such power to seek the truth in life is a fundamental threat to institutions that flourish on deception. As George Orwell said, "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act". Now, more than ever, expression and the arts as well as the independent free press is being prevented from telling alternative truths.
I have lived in London for the past five years, and recently religious groups have shut down plays and musicals, people are being arrested for street performing within one kilometre of the houses of parliament, there is increased surveillance and we are losing our rights through new anti terrorist legislation.
In this increasingly hostile atmosphere of one official truth, people are turning to music, theatre and art to challenge thoughts, and to express their frustration. One such artist is Banksy, a "guerrilla artist" who uses graffiti to create "thought provocations" as well as humour, and whose canvas ranges from my neighbourhood wall to the West Bank Wall. We have also been inundated with films and plays exposing and discussing current political issues. Yet, equally, pressure to limit our expression is increasing and not just here, but also in NYC where special interest groups successfully closed down "My name is Rachel Corrie".
Now it is imperative that we learn from those who fought before us. Learn how powerful simple acts can be. Learn about the courage needed, about tactics used to communicate, about getting around laws and controls, and learn about new ways of telling alternative truths. And once we have changed the way people think, once we have succeeded in our goals, how do we prevent ourselves from becoming what we fought against. And in this increasingly hostile environment we need to remember Voltaire's words, "I may not agree with what you say, but I will fight for your right to say it". Now is the time to look at the small realities in life, the little changes that are happening, and give them voice. For the monolith of unquestionable authority will quake at the small life of consequence.
