DEEP Delights at the Aquarium Launch of Hyphen (Videos)

by Liesl on Aug 3rd, 2009

If there was a prize for extraordinary book launches, then DEEP would win it for the sheer ingenuity, originality and pizazz. Some 400 people swam through the doors of the Two Oceans Aquarium to celebrate the launch of Tania van Schalkwyk‘s debut poetry collection, Hyphen, last Thursday night.

Henrietta Rose-Innes, bathed in the greenish light from the I&J Preditor Exhibit, read a chilling passage from Shark’s Egg under the watchful eye of a circling shark; Helen Moffett‘s feisty manifesto to the penis, Sarah Lotz‘s dark mermaid tale and Hugh Hodge‘s lyrical praise poem honouring and introducing van Schalkwyk all spilled over the kelp-like cables of the musicians and microphones.

So much talent in one place, the festivities were expertly emceed by Suzy Bell, who ensured a smooth flow of contributions from Gus Ferguson, Malika Ndlovu, Jamala Safari, Mwila Mamuwe, Toni Stuart and Justin Fox.

Van Schalkwy read a few short poems. Her work is subtle and profound. Deep. One needs a long quiet interlude after all the bustle of the evening to soak it all in. She acknowledged the mentoring she’d received from Stephen Watson, who was present in the audience.

Here are two clips from her reading:

Video: Tania van Schalkwyk reads “Gardening”

Video: Tania van Schalkwyk reads “Siren Song”

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There was much more. Kai Lossgott’s mystical videos in the adjoining auditorium, Rebecca Townsend’s origami boats made of green and aqua-coloured glass lit from below and the thrumming double bass of Benguela were just a sample of the astonishing treats delivered on a spectacular evening.

Helen Lockhart of the Two Oceans Aquarium said takings at the door amounted to R16 000, most of which will go to the institution’s Adopt-a-School programme. “We were bowled over. It’s fantastic to see support for the arts going to a worthy cause. This money will help to bring children in who have never seen the sea.” She welcomed Fairview‘s sponsorship of cheese and wine that contributed to the flow of good vibes.

Beyond the walls of the aquarium, mermaids and sea mithers, selkies and sprites, celebrate the event still as the gift of sharing goes on.

Poets, Sea Creatures & Other Party Animals