This edition of the Medu Art Ensemble newsletter contains poetry, articles, book reviews, play reviews and letters. It contains several articles, critical essays and play reviews and seeks to engage in some "hard talking about the position of culture in our society at this time". This "hard talking" is present in a number of critical articles, notably by Ngugi Wa Thiong'o and Judy Seidman. Albie Sachs writes a fascinating letter to Medu which reflects on how much of the literary and artistic work is "agonized". His experience of being in exile in Mozambique has led him to believe that artists are trying to "outshout" the oppressor. He sees value for artists in "building up liberated zones" inside themselves and creating images outside of the context of the oppressor. Front page graphic by Thami Mnyele on silkscreen.
In this newsletter, there are five poetry sections, namely Dead roots, Apology from London by Arthur Nortje, Miles of many fears by Bachana wa Mokwena, A prayer for Africa from the mouths of babies by Mandlenkosi Langa and I surrender by Thele Moema. Other section is the art review of the film by Mongane Serote called 'The wild Geese'. Medu's views on burning current issues in South Africa are included, interview by Bachan wa Mokwena interviewing Teresa Devant de Gonzalez regarding the theatre and the role of an artist in an oppressive system. Lastly, there are featured articles by Molefe Pheto, Phetu Serote and Timothy Williams.
This pre-seminar paper from the Publishing and Research Unit entitled "Opening the Doors of Culture" suggests ideas for the a paper to be presented at a seminar in 1982. It gives reflections on how to bring culture to the people and how to use it as a tool for resistance. Handwritten notes on the paper.
