Presented by Bedos Mavambu and Pablo Melchor, DOWN UP SIDE is the tale of Bedos’s journey from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the planet Mancunia told through spoken word poetry, soundscapes and 3D illustrations. The work takes the form of a video and a VR experience accessible online.
The young Bedos embraces the unknown environment he is catapulted in. He uses music as a common language and gets to know the indigenous extraterrestrial. Bedos is optimistic and curious by nature and always sees the upside, bringing nuances to a difficult path, throughout his 12 year voyage through the intergalactic immigration system on planet Mancunia. It finishes when he builds his own nest and becomes a dad.
This work will highlight the resilience of asylum seekers and gives hope to those who are still fighting and facing prejudices but yet fueled with dreams, passion and are waiting for ‘normal life’ It also helps others understand with a new perspective the experience of being exiled.
The piece draws inspiration from the afro-futurism movement as well as traditional Beninese folklore and a touch of Douglas Adams.
This project has been commissioned by Journeys international festival https://www.journeysfestival.com/ and Produced By Nuria López de la Oliva from Artreach. https://artreach.biz/ www.nurialopez.com
Bedos and Pablo recently created their own Art Collective: Another Story Art Collective: 2another.uk