Adamma

This performance was inspired by the Igbo community's Mmanwu celebration, which is firmly based on their spiritual belief that ancestors actively engage in the lives of the living and that the material and spiritual realms are connected.   The main attraction of the festival are masquerades, or Mmanwu, which are believed to be reincarnations of ancestral and spiritual spirits that come to guide, protect, and engage with the people. 

It is believed that these masked people are more than just performers; they temporarily change into spirits that enforce morality, resolve disputes, and bless the people. The festival has social, educational, and cultural purposes in addition to its spiritual value. These include preserving oral traditions, enhancing group identification, and marking significant events like harvests or rites of passage. Through dance, music, narrative, and symbolism, the Mmanwu Festival transforms into a live expression of Igbo cosmology, legacy, and collective memory. 

My planned performance will be inspired by the idea of Night in the Museum, but it will have a distinct twist that emphasises dance, heritage, and self-expression. Throughout the day, I will be on exhibit at the museum, dressed in vibrant textiles, while the public closely examines the exhibit.  

The mood will change as the museum's closing time draws near. The typical commotion of tourists will subside, and the museum guards will declare the close of the day, marking the beginning of a new world. As I am completely absorbed in my movement expression, the transition from spectator to participant will start. Making sure no one else can see my movements while gently emerging from the exhibit and dancing while the audience is captivated by the textures, colours, and history they represent. In sharp contrast to the thrilling transformation that will take place once the museum's doors close, the mood is calm and peaceful. 

The night will serve as my canvas while I dance and convey a story using my body and the layers of fabric. I'll use strong, dynamic moves that combine incredible physicality and acrobatics. In addition to expressing my feelings, this dance will honour the Egungun, the Masquerade's ancestors, whose culture centres on power hidden under layers of colourful clothing. Throughout my performance, every layer of fabric I wear will represent a link to the ancestral spirits and serve as a reminder of the dance's inherent strength and spiritual power. My movements will embody the Egungun's lineage of latent strength, resulting in a visual expression of personal liberty, mysticism, and cultural history.