Changing same: An ontology of spirit - Malik Ntone Edjabe
Changing same: An ontology of spirit is a research engagement concerned with the nature of reality. It proposes a particular interpretation of the world and attempts to bring to life this worldview by building a living archive of multidisciplinary performances and material. In doing so it draws substantially on Freespace, a performance format, pedagogic device and set of philosophical principles developed by People’s Education, where “everything is everything” while disconnectedness between ‘things’ occurs at a superficial but pragmatically and politically important level.
Hypocrisy Sessions
Hypocrite (or Master of Ceremonies) is a character devised and performed by Malik Ntone Edjabe. He is an embodiment of the principles of Freespace and the notion of a “changing same” reality. Expanding on the Jamaican tradition of ‘toasting’, he straddles the space between DJ, emcee, dancer and hype-man. A believer in the power of love and the necessity of freedom of mind and spirit, he is a cunning jester with the ultimate goal of reflecting the inherent hypocrisy of all people, friends and enemies alike. Hypocrite is a conductor, drawing and producing energy through oscillation between positive and negative poles.
In connection with the research, Hypocrite has staged a series of performance-lectures entitled Hypocrisy Sessions. Some of these are accompanied by audio-visual collages which serve a promotional purpose as well as being digital sigils that pre-empt the ideas and atmosphere of a forthcoming session.
Freespace Ensemble
The Freespace Ensemble (or Hypocrisy Come Alive Orchestra) is an eclectic outfit of musicians, dancers and other performers. Grounded in the principles of Freespace, it is a sound-world, an open creative environment for the production and sharing of ideas. These sessions make use of “insiders” or participating facilitators (such as Hypocrite), who blur the line between audience and performer, playfully encouraging people to join in on the process.
Library of Maximum Everything (Or Sermons)
Curated, designed and edited by Malik Ntone Edjabe, ‘Library of Maximum Everything (or Sermons)’ is a growing online library of interviews, talks, musical performances and other human encounters featuring knowledge-carriers from diverse backgrounds. In it, sourced and archival material is re-cut to communicate intricate philosophical arguments, predominantly in one-minute clips. Connections are drawn between seemingly unrelated people and ideas, mapping out a paradoxical yet unified worldview. The library also incorporates a number of original films, collages and sound design pieces produced in relation to the larger research project.
The library is available here: www.libraryofmaximumeverything.com
