Posted August 2006

21/08/2006 A trilogy of struggle exhibits

The Struggle for Human Rights is highlighted in three exhibitions presently on view at the Iziko Slave Lodge.

"Remembering Slavery" reflects on the period of slavery at the Cape from 1658 to the early 1800s. Informative texts, images, maps and 3-D materials illustrate this significant though largely unknown period of colonial history. There is a special focus on the social history of the Slave Lodge itself. Audiovisual elements are integrated into the exhibition and visitors will hear music and poetry composed specifically for this project. A film and auditorium also forms part of the exhibition experience. This is a first phase of the new permanent exhibition of slavery at the Lodge developed by Iziko.

Martin Luther King JrA new temporary exhibition "Separate is not Equal: The Struggle against Separate Schooling in America", runs from 1 August until end February and deals with segregation in schools in the United States during the 1960s. Using personal experiences, informative text, photographs, a timeline and audiovisual material, the exhibition raises audiences' awareness of the struggle of African Americans against separate schooling, with obvious parallels to our own history.

"Separate is not Equal" is a partnership project between Iziko Museums and the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. Funded by the United States Consulates in Johannesburg and Cape Town, it was developed by the Apartheid Museum with the assistance of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington.

Completing the trilogy is "Breaking the Silence: A Luta Continua" which uses scrapbooks, body-maps, photographs, memory cloths, drawings, paintings, art banners and film to explore themes such as the campaign against torture, the SA Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the struggle for the rights of survivors. Produced by survivors of Apartheid working with Human Rights Media Centre and the Khulumani Support Group - Western Cape, the exhibition runs from July to November 2006.

The Iziko Slave Lodge is open Monday to Friday 10:00-16:30 and Saturdays from 09:00-13:00. General enquiries: +27 (0)21 460 8242. Museum educators are available to conduct special school programmes. To book, telephone +27 (0)21 481 3823.

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