Rohan Ayinde and Tayo Rapoport present ęmí: freedomsong

Featuring music, movement and spoken word, this live audio-visual performance looks to alchemise grief into a shared language of love, protest and possibility. ęmí: freedomsong is an audio-visual work created by Rohan Ayinde and Tayo Rapoport in collaboration with curator Zarina Rossheart and in dialogue with bell hooks’ All About Love and Camille Sapara Barton’s Tending Grief. Reflecting on the Yoruba concept of ęmí {the breath that animates life} and inspired by the strength of the Palestinian struggle for dignity and self-determination, freedomsong invites audiences to connect with their voices and transform grief into a culture of love and radical change. At the heart of the work is a ritual in which vocalists anaiis, Tawiah, douniah, Bint Mbareh, Amina Gichinga and Roxanne Tataei transform grief into love through song, while Yewande YoYo Odunubi animates these ideas via movement. For this iteration they are joined by singer Rahel Debebe-Dessalegne and musicians Auclair and Kareem Samara. Duration: approx. 1h15m Age guidance: 16+, any under-16s must be accompanied by an adult Content warning:Some scenes contain references to bombing, occupation, genocide and apartheid.This event may include haze and flashing images. Event information:There will be a variety of seating available from cushions on the floor, to bean bags and chairs. Ticket Releases:Tickets for this event are released in batches. Currently, we have only released the first wave. Subscribe to our Creative Collaborations newsletter for information on further waves. Performers anaiis vocal improvisations Amina Gichinga vocal improvisations douniah vocal improvisations Roxanne Tataei vocal improvisations Tawiah vocal improvisations Rahel Debebe-Dessalegne vocal improvisations Auclair percussion Kareem Samara oud Yewande YoYo Odunubi dance solo Rohan Ayinde spoken word Tayo Rapoport live A/V set