The Place I Return To
Cornucopia Productions
Abdimalik Ahmed
Adapted from his poems & journal entries across five winters, we witness both the stagnation and the evolution of emotion as Abdimalik grows up between the ages of 18-21, stuck in his room with his depression.
Venue: Mixed Blood Theatre
Tagged for: Drama, Solo Show, Storytelling, Religious Content
Content Warnings: Flashing Lights, Mental Illness, Suicidal Ideation/Self-Harm
The seven minute silent film the artist posted on the Video tab of his Fringe show page is unsettling, but very vivid.
I want to see what the person who created that film does on stage.
The longer posted description of the show is:
The seasons cycle, they slot back into the place they’ve always returned to, and Abdimalik finds himself back in his room every winter, processing the same feelings he was the winter before. We fall into patterns, we retreat into patterns, because they are a kind of home, they define who we are, for better or worse. So, stuck in his bedroom, Abdimalik takes on audio journaling when his emotions are too loud to contain and he has to speak them out loud. Through four journal entries across four winters in five years, we witness both the stagnation and the evolution of emotion as Abdimalik grows up between the ages of 18-21.
"The Place I Return To" explores Abdimalik's journey through depression, suicidal ideation, self-discovery, and his relationship with Allah. The show is adapted from my poetry and journals between 2019-2023.
Ahmed’s biography is also intriguing:
“Abdimalik Ahmed is an actor and filmmaker in the Twin Cities, and he studies journalism at the University of Minnesota. Born in San Diego and raised all over the world, he became enamored with the stories that make each individual unique - and the ones that make us all the same.
On stage, in August 2022 he was Hamlet for the MN Fringe adaptation of Hamlet titled "A Little Water" on the Augsburg Mainstage. In July 2023, he worked with the same director, playing a male Tituba in her production of "The Crucible" at The Mounds Theater in St Paul.
His solo show at Mixed Blood Theater titled "The Place I Return To" for the 2023 edition of the MN Fringe Festival is his first writing, producing, and directing work on the stage.
"Isn't This What I'm Supposed to Feel" was his film directorial debut, winning Best Performance at the University of Minnesota Film Festival, and selected at several short film festivals from the US to Brazil.
On screen, he is featured on Apple TV+'s Little America, season 2 episode 4, titled "Camel on a Stick."
I’m just curious enough for all these reasons that I want to put this show on my schedule. Give it a look.
UPDATE 8/3: Abdimalik did a Fringe preview on Fringe Eve, the night before the festival began:
Here's some handy links to this year's Top 10, and Top 11-20 Lists, plus the full list of all returning favorites at this year's Fringe, plus a link to all the 2023 Minnesota Fringe Festival coverage.
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