By Bronwyn Cook
For over 10 years, the fierce, first-nation powerhouses of Hot Honey Brown have been travelling the world spreading their “ACTIVATE POLLINATE LIBERATE” message.
During that time, they were often asked “how do I become a Honey?”, which led to the creation of “Hive City Legacy” – an incubation & pathway program for the next generation of artists.
Following on from successful chapter programs in London and Dublin, the seven femmes of “Hive City Legacy – Naarm Chapter” have landed at The Show Room at the Arts Centre Melbourne. So, what makes a Naarm Hive chapter member?
- Anemerging artist residing in Naarm on the Sovereign lands of the WurundjeriWoi-wurrung and Bunurong Boon Wurrung Peoples of the Kulin Nation or
- Anemerging artist 18 – 25 years in your first five years of practice or
- A femme from a Global First Nations Background
Hundreds applied. Seven were selected and over a four week period, worked with some of the original Hot Honey Brown creative team plus additional BIOPIC artists to create the eclectic, expressive, emotional, energetic ensemble that is the Naarm Hive chapter.
I felt to get to the heart of my thoughts on “Hive City Legacy”, I wanted to quote my own “Hot Honey Brown” review from 2017.
“Hot Brown Honey” is an unreservedly unapologetic in its challenging view of being a woman and doesn’t care if you are offended. Any politically correctness needs to be left at the door, otherwise it’s a big middle finger and f**k you to you.
“Hive City Legacy” hands down continues in the same spirit as its mother creators. An intriguing mix of all original creations across song, dance, spoken word, comedy, movement, circus, performance art and storytelling – all with the underlying tone of ‘this is us, this is our story, hear us, understand us’.
To varying degrees success. The group numbers are performed mostly to pre-recorded tracks, with the performers lip-syncing. I personally found these numbers the hardest to understand – I don’t know if it was the sound mix, volume or pace of the numbers.
The individual and quieter group numbers were more impactful, with live on stage vocals in different forms. I especially want to mention Linnea Tengroths beautiful, thoughtful piece about the challenges and beauty of natural black hair.
Sometimes the intent of art is to confront and challenge you and make think about your place in society. I’ll admit, there were quite a few points during the performance for me. I know I come from a place of upper middle-class white person privilege, hence there were a few moments where I wanted to shrink into my seat.
And you know what. That’s okay. Did I enjoy every single number…no. Can I appreciate the talent & intent of the artists and their stories…absolutely.
What I have to give full snaps for is the opportunity that the HBH team has given these young artists. They’ve created a safe, supportive, nurturing environment for the performers to express their individual crafts and share their messages on a stage that may not normally be available to them.
May the hive continue to survive, thrive and take flight in the world.
The Naarm Hive chapter artists
Linnea Tengroth aka Midnight Ink
Noah Scintilla aka The Fire Starter
Adrian Blount aka MuvaXXX Voyager
Rian Difuntorum aka The Queen Mutha
Andi Cooper aka The Beat Spinner
Yolanda Lowatta aka Bubbles
Ebony Portelli aka The Soul Sorceress
