Throw Your Hands Up!

There's countless ways to encourage someone or show them approval.  From physical gestures like a smile to verbal praise, encouragement and approval tend to transcend most language barriers.  Most commonly in a theater or other group environment, this is accomplished through applause and cheering.  But every now and then, another method's needed.

Such was the case at Morocco's National Theater during the "Spectacle Caritatif de Percussions les Rythmes du Coeur" (Percussion Rhythms of the Heart Charity Spectacle).  Showcasing members of the Deaf and Mute Drummer's Association of Morocco and the Southern University Marching Band, the "spectacle" introduced to some of us  a new way to applaud: throwing our hands in the air as high - and quickly - as possible while twinkling our fingers.

And after the opening introductions (which were conducted in French, English and Sign Language - where was Arabic?), we barely had time to stop our newly-found form of feedback.

Seven deaf / mute members of the association began the show by taking center stage behind, beside and carrying drums and other percussion instruments of various sizes, shapes and tones.  Wearing nothing but jeans, T-shirts and infectious smiles, they had all 400 members of the audience smiling and waving their hands through five, six or seven (or ten) songs for the performance's opening twenty minutes.

After they concluded their act (which I swear included Queen's Another One Bites the Dust), the lights dimmed and the faint beat of a bass drum began to echo from the lobby; slowly, other percussion instruments joined in until the entire audience was focused on the closed doors in the rear of the theater.  With the crowd buzzing in anticipation, the Southern University marching band finally (and boisterously) filed through the audience in unison - and swagger - down two aisles as applause filled the packed theater.

Wearing sharply-manicured uniforms, serious expressions hidden beneath marching hats and white gloves rhythmically beating a multitude of instruments, they bobbed their heads, swung their hips and took center stage for the second act.  Keeping up the tempo set by their Moroccan buddies, members of the marching band played each other's instruments, hurdled - and rolled underneath - one another while maintaining an impressive beat.

Apparently, they were too impressive, as the Moroccans challenged them to a dual mid-way through their set.  Beginning as an individual "challenge," a member from each band took center stage - the disciplined, serious, instrument-carrying American versus his carefree, smiling, unarmed counterpart.  In a display of speed and timing, the two faced off.  The deaf, mute Moroccan using nothing but his hands and a bongo against the American equipped with drumsticks and his drum (with strap).

Despite the apparent advantage, this didn't bode well for the American and he had to call for reinforcements (in the form of the rest of his band).  Without needing it, the victor called for the rest of his group and - instead of continuing the challenge - he brought the two groups together for the finale, which showcased a complimentary mix of percussion mastery and brought us to our feet.

After an hour and half of witnessing musical harmony amidst adversity - one side overcoming physical challenges and the other enduring a challenging trip from the other side of the globe - we ended the event pretty much how we started (and continued) it - with our hands in the air.

(from January 27th, Moroccan National Theater, Rabat)