Requiem is a research and development process with Oasis One World Choir involving asylum seekers, refugees and professional artists collaborating to create a space in which the duality of life and death is being explored through song and dance.
Adopting a decolonised approach to the traditionally recognised Roman Catholic term ‘requiem’ - meaning a musical composition for the dead, we have explored various ideas and pathways which highlight our diverse cultural perspectives, traditions, and experiences around how death is defined through life. And in doing so, bridging multiple languages and meanings together to create our requiem.
The process has intentionally focused on the celebration of coming together and amplifying the voices of the living to honour the voices of the dead.
What we have learnt from this process is the importance of our joy and livelihood amidst wars and genocide, and that celebrating life is significantly interwoven with honouring the dead.
During this unprecedented time it has been particularly important for the group to uplift and empower each other whilst being aware of the global political landscape.
Requiem thus becomes a journey of individuals uniting in solidarity through song and dance exploring both their celebration and creativity whilst recognising the deaths of many.
Featuring internationally renowned traditional Chinese percussionist BeiBei Wang, and Mike Skelton.