Ocean Calling
Friday, 21 July 2017 23:37
Written by MUMA
Ocean Calling is a cross-disciplinary performance and sculptural work, created by Laura Anderson Barbata (Mexico-New York) in collaboration with artists from the Caribbean diaspora and Mexico, that continues to evolve as it includes new collaborators around the world. Based on firsthand experiences, research and ancient wisdom, it charts the physical and emotional relationship maintained with the life of our oceans and the urgent need for collective transformation. The resulting work combines spoken word, dance, improvisation, stilt dancing, ritual, procession, costuming and music to create a unique form of storied performance that will unfold in the front courtyard of the United Nations.
Ocean Calling is a cross-disciplinary performance and sculptural work, created by Laura Anderson Barbata (Mexico-New York) in collaboration with artists from the Caribbean diaspora and Mexico, that continues to evolve as it includes new collaborators around the world. Based on firsthand experiences, research and ancient wisdom, it charts the physical and emotional relationship maintained with the life of our oceans and the urgent need for collective transformation. The resulting work combines spoken word, dance, improvisation, stilt dancing, ritual, procession, costuming and music to create a unique form of storied performance that will unfold in the front courtyard of the United Nations.
Ocean Calling is inspired by all the forms of life that make the ocean their home, as well as by the people, the histories and the cosmography of the communities that for millennia have lived in close relationship with the ocean. The work unfolds in an urban environment highly dependent on the health of the oceans, even though it may not be overtly obvious to our urban communities. Oceans Calling invites audiences to first acknowledge our intersecting identities and then, to celebrate and honor them by changing behaviors to protect our oceans.
The work highlights the importance of the Declaration signed by Pacific Island Countries and Territories to significantly improve Ocean governance, which was drafted during the Pacific Regional Platform for Partnerships and Action on Sustainable Development Goal 14 meeting, which took place this year in Suva, Fiji.
The first iteration of Ocean Calling was first presented as What-Lives-Beneath in 2016 for TBA21 The Current, The Kula Ring convening in Jamaica.
Commissioned by: Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary-Academy
Laura Anderson Barbata (artist), Chris Walker (choreographer and dancer), The Brooklyn Jumbies Stilt Dancers: Najja Codrington, Keil Alibocas, Jabari Rollocks, Dhaunte Richardson and Kyle Lambert. The Brooklyn Jumbies Ground Dancers: Jahde Huntley, Konate Primus, Cheikh Gueye. Mei Yamanaka (choreographer and dancer) Candace Thompson, Alicia Dellimore and Sinuhé Padilla Jarana Beat musicians.
Photographs: Frank Veronsky