The University Link and the lawn area outside the library were the scenes of violent re-enactments by Amnesty International to raise awareness about the silencing of political activists last Wednesday August 3.
Students dressed entirely in black marched through the Link, much to the surprise of those grazing on their Frankly’s and talking loudly about how much they were planning to drink that night. The actors proceeded to physically remove shouting students from the lawn outside the library, causing some to “bleed” fake blood from their mouths. The completion of the performance was met by a smattering of applause as the actors handed out notices explaining the hullabaloo.
According to Amnesty, the performance was “intended to be representative of the peaceful community of San Jose de Apartado in Columbia who have been harassed by rival paramilitaries and guerillas.” Over 170 members of the community have been killed or have disappeared, while others have been threatened or sexually assaulted for exercising their right to peace.
Student Kari Schmidt, who organised the performance, said she thought it was successful. “One women was even crying afterwards. And that’s what it was all about, shocking people out of their complacency a bit, bringing these issues to life in a really visceral way.”
“We get so desensitised to these things because we experience them as going on everywhere, all the time. That attitude of ‘what difference can I make?’ is such a common one.”
To find out more about Amnesty International and how you can be involved, email amnesty.otago@gmail.com.
Amnesty not observed
