Ventilate: A Poetic Exhibition TV Pilot That Resonates With the Soul
A Livestream by Melanin Kris
On August 29, 2021, spoken-thoughts artist Melanin Kris took center stage at Het Nieuwe Instituut, leading an unforgettable live-streamed edition of The Poetic Exhibition. This event served as a powerful response to the spiritual and economic disruption of the global pandemic, weaving together ventilating conversations, performances, and reflections on resilience.
Through a mix of satire and sincerity, Melanin Kris invited audiences to explore alternative perspectives on life’s most pressing dilemmas, all while posing the universal question: “Before I die…”
Levisionairs: A Collective of Creatives
As the event’s host and visionary, Melanin Kris brought together a rich tapestry of creatives—dancers, poets, musicians—who critiqued and reflected on their shared experiences during the unprecedented pandemic. Supported by Het Nieuwe Instituut and brought to life by the dynamic Levisionairs team, this event demonstrated the power of collective artistry to challenge and inspire. We also want to extend a special appreciation to our interns at that time!
The livestream was directed by Monique Dikmoet, initiator and project leader of the Rotterdam Writers’ Rooms (RWR) project, The Poetic Exhibition celebrated the resilience of the human spirit, both individually and collectively. With the support of the Performing Arts Fund NL, the project transformed from a bold idea into a groundbreaking artistic event.
The Theme: Life in Transformation
“Life unfolds in a perpetual sequence of transformations. The birth of the child marks the demise of the baby, just as the emergence of the adolescent heralds the end of childhood.”
This poetic reflection served as the foundation for Ventilate: Before I Die, inviting audiences to journey through the essence of existence. It wasn’t just an exhibition; it was an exploration of resilience, transience, and the enduring human spirit.
“Embrace the art of spoken thoughts, the depth of storytelling, and the healing power of collective reflection”.
Powered by Passion, Rooted in Vision
At its heart, Ventilate is more than a pilot—it’s a movement. This project invited audiences to embrace the art of spoken thoughts, the depth of storytelling, and the healing power of collective reflection. From poetry to music, from satire to sincerity, this program offered a space for introspection and inspiration, creating a powerful connection between art and life.
Join Us on This Journey
Ventilate: Before I Die is an ongoing narrative that continues to unfold, offering a timeless reminder of the resilience that defines us all. Follow us as we celebrate art, reflection, and the human experience. Together, let’s navigate life’s complexities and discover the beauty in its transformations.
Let’s embrace the power of spoken thoughts to inspire action and connection, paving the way for new possibilities in art, culture, and humanity.
Credit list
The Poetic Exhibition – Ventilate recording was brought to life by a talented team of internal and external professionals, led by Melanin Kris, who took on the roles of producer, director, writer, curator, and main act. Maya Christina provided support as production and floor manager, art director, and stylist, with additional contributions from Tamin Heilbron (production and marketing), Melvin Irungu (marketing), and Raquel Baar.
Hospitality and production were co-managed by Romilda Vakkers, while Ismaël Da Silva and Maceo Ramesar contributed as social media intern and AV specialist trainee, respectively. Musical accompaniment was provided by Almar Nooitmeer (pianist MD) and drummer Timothy Bennet.
Externally, the talk show’s direction, editing, and production were handled by Monique Dikmoet, with assistance from Claudette Asaiti. Visual recording was managed by Shawn Cruden (camera), Rodney Rusland (visual artist), and David Asmowidjojo (DoP for the aftermovie). Volunteer and street interviewer Sterre Baven offered additional production support.
The event brought together a diverse array of artists, including singer-songwriter Adwoa Rose, poet Lamin Barrow, stand-up poet Bijörn, and clothing customizer Miquel Linger (in collaboration with Melanin Kris’ clothing line).
Talk show guests such as Peggy Wijntuin, Imanuelle Grives, Adwoa Rose, and Lamin Barrow shared inspiring discussions, while Salem delivered a striking visual performance as a pole dancer, portrayed by Melanin Kris in a recorded segment.
Catering was provided by Happy Health and Food Rotterdam, and Make Up by Dess handled makeup. Together, they contributed to an inspiring and uniquely impactful production.