Opaque

5.00 (2)

Opaque

1 performance between Dec. 3, 2018 and Dec. 10, 2018
Music & Spoken Word
Written and performed by Gemma Griffiths
45mins

Opaque is a performance piece that melds spoken word and music. Centered around the stigmatised arena of mental health, Opaque is both intensely vulnerable and delicately uplifting. December will see the last performances of Opaque before it takes on East Africa and London, UK in 2019, in partnership with the ZHTS. 

Opaque uses both music and spoken word, to bring to light the prominence of depression in so many lives, as well as the part we have to play in battling the stigma around it. The goal of ‘Opaque’ is to start conversations, give a voice to those without one, and bring awareness without judgment… to break the taboo. 

Gemma Griffiths is a Zimbabwean musician and performer. She has performed with African greats such as Oliver Mutukudzi and Yvonne Chaka Chaka, as well as Grammy Award winner Joss Stone (UK). In 2017 Gemma’s collaboration on ‘Headlights’ with Swiss DJ Askery was signed to Spinnin’ Records and reached over 400,000 views on YouTube in its first month of release. She per- formed at Sofar Sounds in London 2017, as well as performing for the Uk’s prestigious music channel ‘Mahogany Sessions’. As her career takes new strides in the international scene, Gemma’s passion for her country, and its’ melting pot of energy and rhythm, remains the driving force of her work. With an ever growing drive to open doors for Zimbabwe’s music industry – it’s safe to say that the 23 year old is on the brink of something big. understood and they are not alone”. Her work as patron of the ZHTS in the arena of mental health will bring hr through Africa and London in 2019.

Audience Responses

Gemma had a magical show. It felt like she was talking to me, and I’m sure everyone else felt this way. Profound truths, the simple truths we konw but deny to admit to openly.

Johan • Attended Dec. 10, 2018, 8 p.m.
5.0

A beautiful narrative which speaks to the human condition and the heavy weight of living. An absolutely brilliant performance by Gemma Griffiths.