Akashic Diaries

Detroit Degree Zero, and other crisis writings.

Poetry - General
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 07/06/2023
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

As an author, vocalist, actress-director, and curator, Habibah Sheikh delves into refugee communities and others related to marginalization, while creating a form of expression merging texts, storytelling, healing arts, with voice, dance, and theatre. Her nomadic work led her to orphanages and refugee camps, gypsy populations and other underdogs of society where children were mute from traumas of being abandoned, trafficked, or escaping the bombardment. The above is featured in a film by Lucas paleocrassas, about life in refugee camps.

With members of these communities, she created performances and acts situated during civil war, and the refugee exodus. a current project titled “Mitli Mitlak (Like You, Like Me)” and also “Right To Live”, highlight these experiences. It is produced by Habibah’s global arts company, Mediterranean Fire
Studio, in collaboration with the Third Avenue Playhouse, Miller
Art Museum, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art, Detroit, Central Michigan University Art Gallery, Peeler Art Center, Depauw Indiana. Sponsors include the National Endowment for the Arts, and the State of Wisconsin.

Currently, an Artist in Residence at the Born Global Foundation, Biba has developed a work in progress titled, ‘Seed Cedar’; a script and performance.

She is also Artist in residence at TransCultures Media Arts, and Pepinieres Europeenne de Creation; the book Akashic Diaries: Detroit Degree Zero, and other crisis writings was initiated, with a CD that followed (Transonic label). It consists of recitations from the book, with Soundscapes by Paradise Now (Aka Philippe Franck) and Didier Nietsche.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite

Akashic Diaries: Detroit Degree Zero, and other crisis writings by Biba Sheikh is a collection of journal entries, poems, and stories aimed at transforming and healing the world from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. The author discusses the political, social, and economic changes we have witnessed during recent events. The book presents people's experiences with fear, loneliness, discrimination, political unrest, racism, and strife in an artistic form. The death and destruction that affected the rich and poor, young and old, and people of all races are retold from different characters' points of view. The author warns about the ignored pollution that has led to extreme weather patterns and turmoil. She also talks about art (music, poetry, images) and how it can heal and unite us. The author encourages us to embrace this new era where we are enlightened, feel less oppressed, and have more power to choose our destinies.

Akashic Diaries is an emotional and remarkable read that will open your mind to new possibilities. Biba Sheikh will make you think about the pandemic, racism, oppression, the fight against climate change, and many more topics in a different light. She gives readers hope for a brighter tomorrow but insists achieving our goals will not be easy. The journey will require sacrifices, and just like the struggles that mothers go through to bring new life into this world, we will have to undergo a rebirth and a change of mindset. I loved how the author references the streets and people of Detroit to reflect what is happening to many others around the world. This is a brilliantly written book, and I recommend everyone to read it and envision a better future for themselves and their families. The pandemic exposed a lot of our weaknesses and mistakes as a society. It is time to reflect on our shortcomings and build a more loving and united world.