Dinner Table Conversations
This project was conceived as an experimental piece of journalism, aiming to highlight the insights that stem from everyday conversations. Family meetings can present as organic spaces to exchange insight; I wanted to explore and interrogate this idea.
For the most part, I took on a behind-the-scenes role, simply helping to guide the process. Given the regulations of lockdown, I was not present at most of the dinner tables, apart from those in my neighbourhood.
The following two episodes (two & three) have been taken from this audio series.
Many people found themselves within the family unit during lockdown. The family segment therefore considers South Africans' experiences of lockdown both with, and without their families. This is the first segment of Dinner Table Conversations, and refers to some of the thinking behind the project.
In response to this unprecedented time, many people have begun to reflect and re-valuate their lives - where they foster their meaning and how they conceptualise their futures. This is the second segment of Dinner Table Conversations.
In this segment, families speak of their psychological experience of lockdown. They also point to some of the coping mechanisms they have used in moments of difficulty. This is the third and final segment of Dinner Table Conversations.
The Families
and their reflections
Houston: Larissa-Jane Houston
Lily Houston
Derek Houston
Soundiades:
Nicole Soundiades
Peter Soundiades
Petrus Soundiades
Mabaso:
Vutomi Mabaso
Singita Mabaso
Michael Mabaso
Stewart: Ian Stewart
Sally Stewart
Beatie and Richie:
Karyn Beatie
Chantel Richie
De la Porte:
Jackie de la Porte
Guy de la Porte
Luc de la Porte
Wendie Cheek
Roi Cheek
Student Digs:
Chloe Walls
Belinda Campbell
Robyn Anderson
Djumas:
Chloe Djuma
"When I think back actually, two emotions really came to the surface - pride and relief. I think I do remember sitting there feeling comforted by the fact that my family seemed to be doing okay, and everyone was fine and coping" - Jackie de la Porte
"It was a good opportunity for us to not only reflect about Covid, but to reflect about being at home and being with family and what that means in a time of a global pandemic." - LJ Houston
"And being in that situation and being given this Dinner Table Conversations project to participate in was awesome because it kind of forced us to examine the situation as a whole and made us sit and think and talk about it."
"And through that process we learnt how Covid has affected each other personally... and I ended up talking about this project to other people, and got their input. And it was just interesting because it really opened up different doors to society, and helped us realise what we were all facing." - Nicole Soundiades
"When I saw [your post], it really resonated with me, because lockdown has been a period of growth, that is for sure ... and so just having those guided questions just to unpick thoughts that are there that I just haven't acknowledged or haven't had the time, or given the space to come to to light ... also a very cathartic way to acknowledge my experience and acknowledge the lockdown ... so it was very much a piece of closure for this year that was very much appreciated." - Chloe Walls