
Dig
As part of Dig/Hear/Sing/—
Abrons Arts Center
New York, NY
April 2022
Dig is a ritual of writing, sounding, and embodying the echoes of the sky cracking open.
Dig/Hear/Sing/— is a trilogy of evening length solos integrating movement, voice, and installation, to derive coping rituals in the aftermath of loss. These works were built by grieving the loss of three loved ones, and preserving the language, movements, and creative actions that emerged from that grief. This trilogy is an effort to open portals to the dead, to communicate with them, retell their stories, and preserve their memory. Can we connect to people who aren’t here anymore by making something out of all the bits that are?
Created and performed by Ogemdi Ude
Sound collaboration and performance by Jasmine Hearn
Lighting Design and Stage Management by Kia Rogers
Administrative Support from Gabby Carmichael
Photos by Maria Baranova
Footage by Chidozie Ekwensi
Funding & Support
Dig/Hear/Sing/— is made possible in part with public funds from Creative Engagement, supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by LMCC; the Franklin Furnace Fund supported by Jerome Foundation and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; the New York City Artist Corps; and Dance/NYC’s Disability. Dance. Artistry. Residency Program.

Ogemdi speaks with fulls lips and sweat on her skin.

Ogemdi kneels on a large white strip of paper. Her eyes are closed and her mouth is wide open.

Ogemdi reads from a journal as Jasmine creates sound. They sit together with various memorabilia.

Ogemdi balances on one shin as her eyes look up and her back rounds.

Ogemdi sits on the floor and looks up.

Jasmine creates sound as Ogemdi sits and speaks behind them.

Ogemdi sits on the floor with orange marks on her cream colored jumpsuit.

Ogemdi stands and hinges forward with one arm extended out.

Ogemdi kneels with one arms forward and one arm back.

Ogemdi kneels and draws pink waves with crayon on white paper.

Ogemdi draws designs on white paper as Jasmine sits behind.

Ogemdi stands behind Jasmine and speaks with one arm moving forward.

Ogemdi and Jasmine sit together and are surrounded by drawn on white paper.