The Buzz Intro Interview | Michelina Moen

Name of Respondent: Michelina Moen
Name of Show: Beyond the Body

“Surrender is the greatest teacher in this type of show. But in that required is listening. To myself, the energy in the room, to a higher Self. And then forgiveness.”

1. Why should people tune in to your show?
Tune in because it’s a completely unique experience. I’ve chosen a pre-recorded for the virtual festival – however, the show was created entirely from songs given by the audience members and all the movement is improvised. No preparation but complete surrender in the moment of the show.

2. What about festivals intrigues you? And why the Atlanta Fringe?
I love festivals for the community and connection to artists and people who are right around the corner yet you’ve never met. Tons of amazing things are happening and the festival brings it into our awareness. I really wanted to bring this show to Atlanta to experience a place where no one knows me nor the concept of the show. I feel like the more interactions the greater awareness of possibilities.

3. What inspired you to create this?
I just wanted to feel and give others the permission to feel. The way I experience this is through movement. Feedback has shown me people have been able to move through things while watching me interpret the music. It’s a way to serve others and honor myself in a co-creative way.

4. This year ain’t normal and there’s no sense pretending it is. How has Covid affected what you’re doing for this festival?
This show is absolutely a love experience so I’m hoping the idea comes across in a pre recorded version… I have to trust it will reach who it needs, to make a movement in the hearts and minds who feel called to watch. I hope to bring it live very soon!

5. What have you learned from working on your show so far?
Surrender is the greatest teacher in this type of show. But in that required is listening. To myself, the energy in the room, to a higher Self. And then forgiveness. To whatever the outcome it lasts for that moment and that’s all.

6. There’s a mysterious, anonymous little square watching your show and sticking around for the talkback. In your WILDEST dreams, who is that mysterious stranger grooving on your work? (Please note, this question is inspired by us recently learning that Neil Patrick Harris has been doing this.)
Hmmmm. Hayley Williams. I adore her journey and honesty and I would love to collaborate with her one day.

7. Fringes are the place to really push the boundaries so we gotta ask: are your parents getting the link are or you gonna be like, “Uhhhh, I dunno, the website doesn’t seem to be working, Mom…”
Oh hell yeah! My family are my biggest supporters.

8. We’ve asked this question every year for the past nine years or so but it hits different this year: Will your show change the world?
If it changes one person it changes the world. We are one.

9. Zoom meetings: dress up head to toe or Donald Duck it?
Wear what feels good. Coming as you are is the theme of this show.

10. We’re making an excellent Spotify playlist. Describe your show in two or three songs we can add to keep the jams flowing.
Well seeing as my show songs are given by the audience I do have a few I love to move to:

and contentment by Willow smith