Prisca Oline will be among many artists to take part in “Until Name Becomes Prayer,” Monday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m. at Summit Artspace. The event, which will feature Samoan immigrant, poet and arts educator William Alfred Nu’utupu Giles, is free and open to the public and will pay homage to “every indigenous and immigrant mouth that had to become a history book.” The night is sponsored by Summit Artspace, local artists, local organizations and community members from all over the country.
Your Organization: African Power
Your Medium: Traditional dance
How do you describe yourself?
“I describe myself as an open and emotional woman artist who enjoys being around other people. I use dancing to express my emotions and to pass out a message. I grew up in a community where in most of our activities, dance takes place: from the birth of a baby, an initiation ceremony, to the death of a loved one, people were dancing. For that reason I believe dancing is part of my life.”
What is an object that describes your art and your work?
“We usually wear ‘Bishake,’ which is cultural clothing in DR Congo. We paint our face as a camouflage to approach the audience and let them enjoy the move and the rhythm as the show continues, and that allows us to be impersonal.”
What are some projects you’re working on?
“As I mentioned before, I grew up in a community where dancing was present. I believe that we can share our emotions through body movement and choreography and allow people to be in contact with each other in communication. At the moment, with African Power we are working to introduce a new coming population in Akron. I believe that we have something in common to share that can allow us to integrate and meet other people.”
Why did you choose to be a part of “Until Name Becomes Prayer?”
“‘Until Name Becomes Prayer’ will be a platform where many artists will perform, I think by sharing with others, I will learn more from them and try to challenge my point of view on the new community in which I am living.”
What excites you in your work?
“The responses of the audience. Sometimes dance can shock, can be boring, or can make people laugh, so the unpredictable responses of the audience is what gives me motivation to do more. The joy that I get after creating choreography and seeing that it has an impact and people who are watching make me try new things.”
What are you looking forward to?
“I am looking forward to start teaching African traditional dance to other people who are interested.”
