The Origin – fusing cultures together through performing arts
On Tuesday 10th March, Loughborough’s African-Caribbean Society (ACS) successfully put together their annual production ‘The Origin’ – a fusion of acting, modelling, singing and dancing. With weeks of strenuous rehearsals and expectations set high year after year, this year’s show was labelled as one of the best. This was confidently expressed by those that took part and those that came along to watch and support.
The Origin has been a memorable part of the Afro-Caribbean experience provided by the society, highlighting the importance of culture as well as drawing on the black experience as students. This year’s plot, written by ACS’ Liaison Officer and one of 2019’s main Origin actors Josh, specifically aimed to highlight the black experience at university. This included everything from the best moments of university to the hidden injustices that may be encountered by black students. Despite the seriousness of the message, the final performance sparked an undeniably enjoyable energy for everyone involved.
I spoke to a few important individuals, that worked hard to bring together an amazing performance, about their experience throughout the lead up towards this year’s showcase and their chosen highlights.
Peace: 2nd year student and Origin 2020’s Choir Director
How would you summarise your experience of Origin 2020?
It was an experience I am not usually exposed to, nonetheless a fulfilling one. Overwhelmed and amazed, I thoroughly enjoyed this year’s Origin as opposed to last year because I had the opportunity to lead the choir. Leading the choir gave me the chance to work with various singers of different skills and merge them together. This role allowed me to both lead but most importantly learn. Learning is such a pivotal part of life and one should never miss the opportunity to learn even from those they are teaching.
What did Origin represent for you as a student at Loughborough?
Origin represents change and the opportunity for us as students to show how far life has come. This is important for me as a student because this wouldn’t have been a possibility in the past. Origin gave us a platform which allowed us to showcase our culture and be proud.
Were there any moments that specifically stood out to you in the lead up to the final day?
The growth in people, especially the singers. The confidence levels totally changed, and everyone became more dedicated and focused. Also, just how everyone came together. You converse, meet and spend time with those from all different backgrounds and from different stages of life. Although we’re all from African and Caribbean decent we are all still very unique in our own ways, but Origin allowed us to bring us together.
Kofi: Final year student and Dance Choreographer
How would you summarise your experience of Origin 2020?
This year’s Origin was amazing. Coming from someone who has been involved in the showcase for 3 years running, this was the best one yet. Why? It’s because the energy we received from the crowd themselves was bar none. Don’t even get me started with all the performances from the acting to the singing to the modelling and dancers.
What did Origin represent for you as a student at Loughborough?
Origin represents joy. The joy the performers and audience showed when the showcase was done was special. But the most important thing about origin to me is family. I ended up looking after the dancers and the dances and what I witnessed on the weekend and the day before the showcase just filled me with joy. The family atmosphere that was created within us dancers was crazy. It’s astonishing how some of us went from strangers to close friends within that week. As a matter of fact, the group chat we have for the dancers is still going strong. We share and post videos of us dancing and we even tried a number of dance challenges.
Sean: 2nd year student and ACS President
What did Origin represent for you as a student at Loughborough?
It represented the pinnacle of the entire society’s teamwork, involvement, and support. We were successful at growing and expanding the society, and Origin was definitely a high point to finish on.
Were there any moments that specifically stood out in the lead up to the final day?
The strong support shown by Loughborough University and LU Arts to sponsor the event was definitely a highlight. The support received by local restaurant “Fork in Chips” also stood out to me a lot. I also found the dedication, determination, and resilience shown by specific committee members to be very inspiring.
Josh: 2nd year student, ACS Liaison Officer, Origin script writer, Acting leader and director
How would you summarise your experience of Origin 2020?
The Origin 2020 was a huge success. Every aspect of the production was superb. The singers were elite, the dancing was next level, the modelling was brilliant, and the poetry was immaculate. It’s not surprising though, that from my perspective, the actors were the best. I mean, I was the director.
What did Origin represent for you as a student at Loughborough?
Creativity really brings people together and to put on a show that tells our truth is what I believe sets ‘Origin’ apart from other productions. It’s written, directed, produced and performed by students in our community. It couldn’t be a more authentic representation of what and who we are.
Were there any moments that specifically stood out in the lead up to the final day?
The final rehearsal weekends are always tough, the production has to be completed in such a short amount of time and getting everyone on the same page isn’t easy at all. When the dancers first danced on the stage has to be the stand-out moment. Everyone realises the potential of the show at that moment and rehearsals begin to hit a higher gear.
What do you look forward to seeing in next year’s show?
‘Origin 2020’ was the first year ACS collaborated with our friends ‘Your Sound’. Creatives within our community need to continue to share platforms like ‘Origin’ so that all the groups can grow and be recognised for their talent. I’d like to see the show next year incorporate even more creative societies into the production.
Sarah: 1st year student and one of Origin’s lead actors and singer
How would you summarise your experience of Origin 2020?
Origin 2020 was a lot of fun. I got to spend time with people that I hadn’t really met before. It felt amazing to be part of something so successful and to see how talented the ACS community is at Loughborough University.
What did Origin represent for you as a student at Loughborough?
Origin was definitely one of my highlights of the academic year. It allowed an expression of culture which is so important to me. For me personally, it was a way to express creativity through acting and singing. I think it represented the importance of cultural diversity at university too.
Were there any moments that specifically stood out in the lead up to the final day?
A moment that stood out for me was definitely the day before the show when rehearsals weren’t really going to plan and some of the committee members spoke to us about giving it 100% and having fun with it. I feel like this motivated everyone the next day to give an amazing show. Seeing everyone bring so much energy and enthusiasm was really motivating for me.
Monique: 2nd year student, ACS Cultural and Education Manager, Origin Director and Dance Choreographer
What did Origin represent for you as a student at Loughborough?
Origin was extremely important to me as it is the biggest ACS event held every year and being the cultural and educational events manager, it was my responsibility to ensure that the standard held from the previous year is kept and even so exceeded.
Were there any moments that specifically stood out in the lead up to the final day?
The rehearsal day just before the performance was much longer than we expected it to be. And although all of us were tired and wanted to go home, we all stayed to continue for a couple hours after. It showed me that the show was important to everyone and we were all dedicated to making it successful which I was very appreciative of.
What do you look forward to seeing in next year’s show?
I am excited to see how the new committee grow from us and compile a gripping story. The show should be exhilarating, intriguing and entertaining!
Henry: 2nd year student and Dance Choreographer
How would you summarise your experience of Origin 2020?
The Origin 2020 has been the highlight of my university experience so far, outdoing my experience of the showcase last year by a long shot. I met a whole bunch of great people that I now consider close friends. It was also a very fulfilling experience for myself as an individual because it allowed me to really push myself and utilise my talents. Through choreographing and teaching routines, which I had very minimal experience in doing before. Although stressful at times, the outcome of this was very beneficial through enhanced creativity and confidence in ways I did not expect at all. Overall, I’d 100% recommend taking part in Origin next year, you won’t regret it.
Were there any moments that specifically stood out in the lead up to the final day?
What stood out to me was everyone’s commitment to making sure the show banged. Attending lengthy rehearsals day after day in the run up to the show and sacrificing personal time just to make sure everything was on point. That commitment was well and truly worth it as the show turned out to be a great success.
If you missed The Origin 2020 then here are some clips to give you a flavour of what you missed!
By Laura Khamis
Laura Khamis is a 20-year-old is a freelance writer and English Literature undergrad whose work predominantly highlights the success of young, creative individuals with social and political references from time to time. Through her work, she aims to proudly embrace everything about creative youth culture and its influence on music, fashion and more. You can check out Laura’s portfolio of work at www.laurakhamis.com.
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