An ontology of spirit
Changing same: An ontology of spirit
‘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 inter-disciplinary 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.
Hypocrite (or Master of Ceremonies)
Hypocrite 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.
Hypocrisy Sessions refers to a series of performance-lectures which seek to address some of the questions brought forward in the research. Featuring guest thinkers and practitioners from diverse disciplines, the sessions are conducted by Hypocrite and accompanied by audio-visual collages, which serve a promotional purpose as well as being digital sigils that pre-empt ideas relating to the work.
Library of Maximum Everything (or Sermons)
Curated, designed and edited by Malik Ntone Edjabe, ‘Library of Maximum Everything (or Sermons)’ is an online multimedia library which reinterprets sourced and archival material – interviews, talks, musical performances and other human encounters – within the framework of the research. It features disparate thinkers and ideas, mapping out a paradoxical but unified worldview. The library also incorporates a number of films, collages and sound design works produced as part of the larger enquiry.
Freespace Ensemble (or Hypocrisy Come Alive Orchestra)
Freespace Ensemble is mutable outfit of improvisers. Grounded in the principles of Freespace, the group combines music, dance, theatre and performance more broadly to foster a participatory creative space which brings to life the notion of a “changing same” reality.
Conversations with I and I
Written by Viwe Joka, ‘Conversations with I and I’ is a creative interpretation of the work and ideas presented as part of this research. It attempts to make sense of the project’s various forms and formats in writing — a paradoxical task given the nonsensical, and at times, anti-verbal character of much of the material.