The Bellow Project explores identity through music and poetry

The Bellow Project: Dwennimmen and damn magpies was a captivating performance held at the University of Alberta’s historic Convocation Hall on September 27. This unique show blended the improvisational music of damn magpies with the evocative spoken word of Shima Aisha Robinson, known as Dwennimmen, Edmonton’s 2023 poet laureate. Together, they explored profound themes of decolonial nationhood, truth-telling, and the awareness of being guests on Indigenous lands. 

Dwennimmen opened the performance by reflecting on her experiences in Edmonton, weaving a narrative that questioned citizenship and belonging within the community. The music, both haunting and rich, mirrored her delivery. The hissing and roaring sounds created a soundscape reminiscent of the wilderness. This immersive atmosphere allowed the audience to feel the stillness in the room. Themes of loss and longing were explored as well. 

Dwennimmen embodies the essence of her name. It refers to an ancient African Adinkra symbol representing strength, humility, learning, and wisdom. Her artistry is characterized by a searing intellect. With her precise command of language, she guided the audience toward deeper understanding and reflection. For Dwennimmen, poetry serves as a compass and an anchor. It allows her to harness her linguistic and spiritual depth, transforming each performance into a powerful experience for listeners.

The collective damn magpies, consisting of innovative Edmonton musicians, complemented Dwennimmen with her focus on free improvisation. Their dynamic performances incorporated an eclectic mix of saxophone, flute, voice, percussion, and electronics, creating a vibrant auditory tapestry. Like their namesake, they thrive on exploration, making the performance a unique sonic adventure.

As Dwennimmen’s voice resonated through the auditorium, her words carved through the air with an almost palpable intensity. Each phrase dripped with emotion, weaving a tapestry of pain and liberation. Her arms arched toward the ceiling, a physical manifestation of her longing for freedom. Her neck darted in and out — a bird seeking escape. The poetry itself was raw and visceral, a wound laid bare. “There is a place in my heart that has been too painful to mention,” she proclaimed. 

The audience felt the weight of her sorrow, the collective silence a testament to the power of her confession. “It will moan to me as I speak to you.” The words echoed, creating an almost haunting soundscape. The atmosphere thickened with emotion, each syllable reverberating like a heartbeat. It was a moment of catharsis, where movement and voice intertwined, inviting the audience to confront their own hidden wounds. The stage became a sacred space that both stretched and embraced the boundaries of vulnerability.

Overall, the Bellow Project was an enriching blend of musical sound and spoken-word. The performance invited the audience to engage with the complexities of identity, community, and the natural world.