In the previous version of the “Ignorance is Bliss?”-Trilogy, I have answered the most FAQ of all time is: “Is Industrial Theatre expensive?” This time I want to open by confronting my own ignorance in asking this question: Is it fair of me to expect people to know more about Industrial Theatre? Given, industrial theatre is not one of the most common tools used, nor is it something that you can get heaps of information on at the click of a (Google) button. But it is something that is quite straight-forward in its purpose and application. Why then does it seem to be so difficult to comprehend? Or is it rather an issue of trust, not so much an issue of comprehension?

It seems like people, in general, have mistrusting natures, and due to these mistrusting natures they tend to believe what they think at the back of their minds as apposed to taking the information (that I have actually experienced) at face value. Can I blame them? Probably not…but this is why I believe that I need to get the word out there, this is why I feel that I need to share information and knowledge about this phenomenon, and this is why I took to the internet and finally left the backyard braais and informal gatherings behind!

I guess it is like looking at broccoli – you can’t believe that it will taste good before you have actually tasted it. Experiencing the real flavour of something that’s so good for you can only be acknowledged and fully understood when the person willingly approaches the experience. This means, with an open mind and without their own preconceived ideas.

I have experienced it! When employees are gathered for an Industrial Theatre performance they walk out of there with a different mindset. They feel appreciated, because management would go to so much effort to not only give them 35 minutes of fantastic entertainment, but also because management cares enough to let them know why they should care too. They feel like part of the plan, they feel like they belong, and most importantly, they understand it too. I have seen it happen, I’ve heard the testimonies, and it, in turn, has touched my heart. This is probably why I get so passionate about the ignorance…

Feeling and understanding, (emotions and cognition), wrapped in a delightful storyline that has everyone laughing and relaxing, now that’s what I’m talking about! It is not just a “cute” play. It might be mind-blowing, or funny, or entertaining, or value-adding, or educational, or developmental, or changing, or communicative, or even the best thing you have ever experienced, or all of the above, but I really won’t call it cute. Children are cute, Industrial Theatre is the experience of a lifetime!

In all the never-ending questions I encounter on at least a weekly basis, I have also been challenged, and I have also learnt some things. I have learnt that humans are reluctant to accept that which is unfamiliar, that people tend to cling to their own misperceptions and misguided truths, even if it kills them. And these realizations have put me on a journey of self-discovery, wanting to know if I myself also suffer from this incurable disease of ‘being right’. The journey has only begun now, but thus far I know one thing for sure: Ignorance is not always bliss. This is exactly why I’ve decided to put ignorance aside, and choose guided truths and informed perceptions. I choose to believe that an informed experience is the only existing path to bliss.