Gentle Alchemy: Weaving Ancient Cultural Knowledge into Contemporary Theatre

INTERCULTURAL ARTS RESEARCH

By Olive Moynihan

In the grand tapestry of human existence, we all are part of the inevitable journey from birth to death — a journey of individual and collective experiences that weave together profound mysteries of the cosmos, nature, and the spiritual realms. In Senegalese culture, this journey is often guided by the guewel, a hereditary cultural role embodying ancestral wisdom and spiritual insight through artistic expression. The guewel communicates ancient knowledge systems through various art forms and also acts as a mediator and messenger through rituals and ceremonies.

This is the knowledge system that was the focus of arts initiative 13.12, led by founder and director Lamine Sonko. Beginning in 2018, the research has led to the creation of a series of multi-artform works, including new theatre piece titled Guewel. As a descendant of the Sing Sing guewels and korings of Kaabu, and a member of the Serer, Wolof, and Mandinko cultural communities of Senegal, Sonko was uniquely positioned to lead this practice-based research. His expertise, shaped over a lifetime of embodied learning within the community and guided by elders, enabled the project to be realised from the perspective of guewel ‘ways of knowing’.

In developing the theatre work, it was crucial to create conditions for a long-term and thorough gathering of knowledge, which allowed for the production of culturally rich and well-researched material. Over 6 years and multiple journeys between Australia and Senegal, Sonko and his team of producers, designers, and performers immersed themselves in practice-based research, forming deep connections with cultural elders and communities to capture the essence of these knowledge systems. At every stage — from initial research to the various development phases — the priority was to uphold the integrity of the cultural practices being explored. This approach enabled a synthesis of complex conceptual and spiritual terrain into an authentic and respectful creative work, preserving the essence of the traditions while allowing for innovative artistic expression.

It goes without saying that creative processes must always be guided by a framework that is ethically sound, adheres to predefined cultural protocols, and honors the traditions from which inspiration is drawn. This prevents the misrepresentation of cultural material and supports the sustainability of traditional practices, ensuring they are accurately passed down to future generations. Ultimately, these conversations strengthen the connections between collaborating artists and communities, contributing to more aware, respectful, and attuned partnerships.

The development journey was not without its challenges. Among these was the need to resist the temptation to rush the process, a common issue in projects constrained by limited resources and time. By allowing collaborators to come together in a space where they could deeply engage with the material, a collective understanding emerged, fostering fertile ground for creativity and innovation. This collective understanding developed gradually, supported by workshops and learning sessions where Sonko guided performers and designers in exploring the cultural significance of the material and practices, empowering them to embody their roles with authenticity and reverence. Throughout this process the 13.12 team, embraced a continuous process of learning and relearning which extended to practical and creative approaches as well as personal beliefs and everyday behaviors. Their understanding and interpretations of cultural knowledge was continually evolving, guiding them to reassess and refine their methods of creation.

This process is evident in the development of the musical elements of the work. Intricately weaving together traditional and contemporary threads, music compositions form the foundation upon which the theatre work’s narrative is built. To accurately embody and perform these elements, it was crucial to first address broader questions about how music conveys knowledge—or indeed, about the very concept of music itself. As Sonko explains - in guewel knowledge systems, this concept is known as ngonar, which extends beyond melody and rhythm. Rather, ngonar refers to a ‘state of being’ that is experienced in a way that transcends into the liminal realms of consciousness and spirituality. These challenging and thought-provoking questions delve deeply into underlying epistemologies, prompting an examination of ‘ways of knowing’. Tackling them is essential for creating work that resonates on multiple levels and authentically represents both the knowledge and the practices.

The creative journey of Guewel exemplifies the power of thoughtful and deliberate collaboration, allowing for gradual evolution over time. The resulting work is a series of rituals — a sacred pathway weaving together the threads of tradition and contemporary expression, bridging the gap between past and present, and blending ancestral wisdom with modern understanding. It imparts ancient knowledge that transcends cultural boundaries, offering insights into the mysteries of birth and death, and preparing us for both beginnings and endings. Ultimately, it demonstrates what can emerge when we rethink our ways of knowing and doing in our pursuit of new knowledge and artistic expression. Through this experience, 13.12 hopes to present work that not only illuminates the transformative dimensions of ancient knowledge systems but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of their complexities, inspiring reflection and dialogue.