AMKA

Narratives from the African diaspora

(PRODUCER, CO-DIRECTOR, PERFORMER, 2017)

A journey of being, becoming and existence, AMKA explores the awakening of black bodies from the African diaspora in Australia. Rethinking and re-centering African identity through trans-disciplinary storytelling where the past, present and future encounter one another. Spoken word, music, dance, theatre and projection come together to showcase narratives portraying powerful experiences of belonging, representation and emancipation. AMKA features an ensemble of performing artists and musicians brought together by cohealth Arts Generator. Created by artists Akimera, Geskeva Komba, Manal Younus, Yaw Faso, and film maker Ez Eldin Deng with original soundtrack and music by hip hop artists and producers Joe Motley, and Mohamed Komba aka Momo (Diafrix).

Music accompaniment produced by Momo (Diafrix) for poem by Geskeva Komba for AMKA.

AMKA Poster and Brochure images by Damian W. Vincenzi

PRESS & TESTIMONIALS

“The students were certainly taken aback by the performance and responded very strongly which is fantastic. They had such wonderful things to say afterwards, and told me they had similar experiences... so I will most definitely be sending through comments from the students after tomorrow. A big thank you from all of us!” - Teacher feedback to ACM

“This was the first ever live theatre production my students have ever seen, and I'm so happy it was a powerful and relevant performance for them. The students responded passionately and excitedly! I was surprised and so delighted!
We are looking at self-identity and non-naturalistic devices next term so this has been a wonderful experience to capture their attention and engage them in these ideas. It was absolutely brilliant. I couldn't have asked for a more inspiring and engaging experience for the students.” - Teacher feedback to ACM

“It is the beautiful start to our presence being felt, heard and accepted as part of the human tapestry in this neck of the woods. Everyone was a star on stage, they moved us all… Too. Happy. For. Words. Love to all the rockstars!” - Zione Nthenda-Walker

“A golden muzzle calls your attention to the voices beneath, yet each moment is ushered in by the reinforcement of the muzzle. Fetishised control, a sexy reminder that your voice – as unique as it may be – is only heard when its language is kept in line with what society deems appropriate. Sound familiar? Or perhaps you can’t hear me. Who do we speak for? As each muzzle is lifted we are reminded that it is silence we fear the most. Fear is a powerful weapon, to be used and to be overcome, regardless of how sexy the muzzle it asks us to wear is.” - Robert Ruckus, Trouble Magazine

“The challenge of ‘privilege’ was enough to make audience members stir in their seats. If aware of it, it was strong enough to evoke a discomfort that accompanies the shame of knowing and not acting. If unaware, it evokes a shame of learning for the first time. For others, it will have been dismissed as banter between mates, but this is the nature of prejudice and art; it’s complex.” - Lamar Johnson