Ode to Earthworms and From Here Onwards: two landscapes of memory

Giants plummet from the sky. Each is already dead and falling. Their corpses crash, penetrating the surface of our world. The ground molds around them, guided by the force of their arrival. There they lie, limbs stretching out stroking the four corners of the earth, until it invites them in. Slowly letting them sink into themselves as each Crippled body part, bone and blood dissipates. From these colossal frames decomposed, a flourish of new life is born. The giants feeding each tiny emerging organism, which had their fill of the fallen feast. Flesh giving life and new growth. Spawning cultures, communities, cities, skyscrapers, intricacies, ecosystems, and new death. 

This is a piece I wrote 2 years before I would create Ode to Earth Worms. It is a piece that was born really just from my own curiosity and fascination with life and all its encompassing natural cycles. I have always had a special connection with the ocean and a desire to learn more about marine life. When I learned what a whale fall was I was awe struck and utterly inspired. These water giants, whose presence seems almost holy would create so much life in their passing. I thought that it was just pure beauty. In this single process of death I saw so many truths about our world as a whole and I could not get it from my mind. I found myself wondering what if we were these giants. It is no question that we live in an age of human altered bio forces. In an ecological sense we are these giants and our actions reverberate throughout the earth affecting so many precious things in this life. And art is the best way to process this fact and continue the conversation of what we are going to do about it. Ode to Earth Worms is its title not because it's about Worms but because of my own sense of dark joy that I find in the fact that one day everyone and everything will be recycled, as I will too.

	Thalia Alberts at 23 years old is graduating with her Honours in Physical Theatre at Stellenbosch University. Her production, Ode to Earth Worms received the second place award for best production and won the best ensemble award at the Premiere Festival. Her end year production Anglo Angst, showcased from 2022 till 2024 at Woordfees, Suidoosterfees and Theatre Arts. She was also invited to work with Figure of 8 dance theatre, and performed in their production, Maze of the Mind at the Baxter theatre, in celebration of their 10-year anniversary.
	Matthew Dragner is a student at Stellenbosch University graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Drama and Theatre Studies. He received the award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Ode to Earth Worms and was part of the cast of Su’Walla Kassam, an award-winning production that was showcased at various festivals as well as the Homecoming Centre. The production won Best Comedy at the 2024 Kanna Awards and was one of the finalists at the 2023 Premiére Festival.
	Katie Hodson is 23 years old and graduating with her Honours in Physical Theatre at the University of Stellenbosch. Katie has been involved in a number of productions ranging from Luminescence, a physical theatre departmental show, directed by Mmatumisang Motsisi and Alexander Brits (2023, Stellenbosch), to Ode to Earthworms (2024, Stellenbosch) which received the second-place award for best production and won best ensemble at the Premiere Festival.
	Simone Ras studied BA Drama and Theatre Studies and is now graduating with a specialization in BHons Physical Theatre at the University of Stellenbosch. Simone was involved in Luminescence, a physical theatre production directed by Mmatumisang Motsisi and Alexander Brits that performed at the Stellenbosch Drama Department, and Sonde met die Spoke, a children's theatre show directed by Nicole Holm

From Here Onwards (2024) began as a choreography examination task for UCT’s third-year performance-making students, in collaboration with the Centre for Theatre and Dance Studies. Each year, students are required to create a 10-minute dance work based on a prescribed theme. This year’s theme was “…In Chaos,” which invited students to precede the phrase “in chaos” with their own idea, feeling, quality, or statement. This approach allowed for a personalized interpretation of chaos through various lenses—physical, psychological, emotional, scientific, artistic, and philosophical. The concept for From Here Onwards emerged from the theme “Memories… in Chaos.” My initial research focused on memory theory, examining how we remember, encode, store, and retrieve information. This foundational work included an extensive review of academic literature and films related to memory. A significant aspect of the development was engaging with the methodologies of Wendy Oliver and Jacki Job. Notably, Jacki Job’s technique of sketching dreams played a crucial role. Participants recalled and visualized their dreams, translating these into sketches that guided the creation of rhythmic patterns, textures, and shapes. This exercise facilitated a deeper connection to the subconscious and resulted in innovative and expressive choreographic sequences. The method of dream sketching was instrumental in developing a multimedia presentation that included montages, moving images, soundscapes, and installations. This approach enriched the choreographic process and ensured a visually and emotionally compelling final production. Following a successful run with positive reviews and a strong audience turnout, I am expanding From Here Onwards to further explore themes of migration and transformation. The production examines the universal experience of change—whether moving from school to adulthood, adapting to new environments, or relocating cities. It highlights both the opportunities and losses associated with transitions. For South Africa, this theme is particularly resonant. As a “born-free” South African, I navigate a complex historical legacy while striving to create a new narrative. My personal experience of moving from Pretoria to Cape Town reflects broader themes of adaptation and renewal. This project aims to capture the essence of ongoing transformation, offering a reflective portrayal of how change impacts individuals and society.

	Otlile Lebelo is a dancer, choreographer, and instructor from Pretoria, trained in Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Ballet, and African Dance. Known for his athleticism and gentle charisma, he performed in The Ocean by Kevin Mdoka and two seasons of BabaYaya’s Oorleef. Otlile’s work invites audiences to feel joy and healing through movement. He is passionate about creating meaningful choreography and exploring dance across stage and screen.
	Herton Joseph, from Wesbank, Kuilsriver, is a dynamic South African dancer who rose to prominence as a Top 4 finalist on kykNET’s Maak My Famous in 2020. A former civil engineering student, he transformed his passion for dance into a journey toward global aspirations. Known for his electrifying performances and dedication, Herton draws inspiration from icons like Lyrical Deezy, Rudi Smit, and Brandon Petersen. With unstoppable energy and a commitment to excellence, he continues to inspire audiences across South Africa and beyond.
	Bethany-Hannah Toohey is a director, choreographer, actor, dancer, and student, currently pursuing her Honors at the University of Cape Town. Her work spans performance, production, and design, including showcases at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda. Driven by a passion for celebrating diverse cultures, she weaves their richness into her storytelling to create art that connects and inspires. As she continues to refine her craft, Bethany-Hannah remains dedicated to leaving an indelible mark on the artistic landscape through authenticity, creativity, and purpose.