[December 14, 10–11 a.m. ET] This live performance will take place in Jinja, in the Eastern Region of Uganda and will be broadcast live via the Franklin Furnace LOFT.
Nabbuzana is an ongoing research and open space performance project exploring the African traditional ritual hwambula aimed at liberating spirits confined by humans, providing them their rightful freedom to exist in their own world without serving the interests of humans.
The study digs into concepts of spiritual imprisonment, examining the nonhuman existence and the traditional social dynamics within Ugandan communities. At its core, the project seeks to shed light on the state of young spirits named Nabbuzana, yearning for freedom of play but subjected to enslavement to fulfill human interests. By investigating the intricate concepts of spiritual confinement, the project challenges conventional perspectives on colonialism, extending the discourse beyond human-to-human interactions to encompass human-to-non-human relationships.
Aligned with the ongoing call for decolonization and critique of capitalistic practices, this artistic work translates into phases of colonialism and decolonization. The performance employs the powerful metaphors of shape-shifting, imagery and vivid portrayals of struggle to explore the emptiness in human consciousness and the perpetual pursuit of power over the vulnerable.
Nabbuzana as a project engages with the concept of repatriation and restitution, challenging traditional performance formats by embracing open spaces than structured theater stage settings. This innovative approach envisions the audience as active participants, aiming to broaden the rich engagement and impact of the performance, fostering a deeper connection between the performer and the audience.
Join us on Saturday December 14, 6-7pm in Uganda (10-11am ET) for the live stream of Siraji’s performance. This online event is hosted by Franklin Furnace’s digital LOFT.
NABBUZANA | The melting Moon
Artist Biography:
Koloto Siraji is a Ugandan conceptual artist, dancer, thinker, and researcher whose multifaceted artistic practice traverses film, installation, and performance. Grounded in the rich philosophical fabric of Bagisu traditions, his work is a dynamic fusion of ancestral wisdom and contemporary expression. Central to Koloto’s artistic methodology is a profound engagement with Bagisu theories and philosophies of art. He merges traditional concepts with modern practices. This method prompts him to rediscover the ancient wisdom of dance by deconstructing Bagisu traditional dances and blending them with urban/street dance styles, creating a poignant set of movements that express a contemporary identity that is significantly tailored with Bagisu art and rituals of movement.
Navigating the realms of post-colonialism and decolonization, Koloto explores the human body as a medium to convey new narratives. Intrigued by the potential of the body in space and time to communicate information and encapsulate human experiences, His art is deeply rooted in his ancestry. A distinctive characteristic of Koloto’s artistic work is its refusal to offer direct answers. Instead, his work is a call to reflection, inviting the audience to feel, think, and question the complex dimensions of the topics his work addresses. Koloto is particularly interested in making people feel, think, and question aspects related to gender, politics, and climate change, human rights, social, and cultural issues, Triggering people to contemplate and take individual responsibility for their actions.
This performance work was made possible, in part, by the Franklin Furnace FUND 2024-25, supported by Silicon Valley Community Foundation, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and the members and friends of Franklin Furnace Archive.
