October 1st MAPP: Calling Divine Spirits / Joining Opposing Forces

Byb Kongo Bibene presents Nkisi Nkondi: A Divine Sculpture from Central Africa, a public talk which reveals the not so told functions of the nkisi nkondi, the sacred statues found in the great kingdom of Kongo in the 19th century. The Nkisis were power figures used by individuals, families, or whole communities to destroy or weaken evil spirits, prevent or cure illnesses, repel bad deeds, solemnize contracts or oath taking, and resolve disputes. A diviner or holy person would activate the statue, using magical substances. In this presentation, Byb shows a portrait of Central Africa before and after colonization, with social, political, and religious implications. The talk precedes a demonstration of a few dances that may have served as support in the process of calling for the divine spirits to inhabit the body of the nkisi nkondi, as practiced by the Kongo people.

Dynamism is Ben Baker’s project for the exploration of themes relating to the deliberate bringing together of oppositional forces. He has adopted the practice of butoh to examine existentialist themes. Butoh, known as the Dance of Utter Darkness, is characterized by dancing through imagery and may be utilized to examine the ongoing battle between light and darkness.
 
About the MAPP:
Launched in 2003, the Mission Arts & Performance Project (MAPP) is a homegrown bi-monthly, multidisciplinary, intercultural happening that takes place in the Mission District of San Francisco. On the first Saturday of every even month of the year, the MAPP transforms ordinary spaces, such as private garages, gardens, living rooms, studios, street corners, and small businesses into pop-up performance and exhibition sites for a day/night of intimate-scale artistic and cultural exchange among a kaleidoscope of individuals and communities.
 
MAPP Schedule:
7:00-8:00PM – Nkisi Nkondi: A Divine Sculpture from Central Africa
Dance Demonstration & Public Talk with Byb Kongo Bibene
8:10-9:10PM – Dynamism
Butoh Dance-Theatre Talk & Performance with Ben Baker
 
About the Artists:
Byb Chanel Bibene is a choreographer and performer working in theater and contemporary dance. His own technical and aesthetic sensibility is rooted in the culture and dances of his country of origin, the Republic of Congo. He has toured the world and performed internationally with companies and choreographers from Africa, England, France, and the USA. Artistic Director of Kiandanda Dance Theater, Bibene launched Mbongui Square, a multidisciplinary arts event that gathers artists from the Bay Area and around the world.

Ben Baker holds an MA in Drama from San Francisco State University and an MFA in Contemporary Performance from Naropa University. He is a Performance Artist that assumes many roles in theatre as a writer, director, actor, dancer, and choreographer. He presently teaches improvisation, movement meditation, and ecstatic voice workshops in SF.
 

 
Time: Event 7:00PM
Admission: Free
Tickets will not be sold in advance for this event. All ages are welcome.

Join the conversation at the Poppy – volunteer for this event!