The Black
Residency
created and curated by desiré graham
(2023 - present)
in collaboration with Che Kabia, Victoria Awkward, Nicholas Javon and Khadija Bangoura
The Blacks play for freedom and black rebellion. Through developing our devising technique, we aim to create a theatrical world that demands more from the theatrical roles we are often forced into.
In November 2023, DG established The Black Residency, inviting four artists to her home for one week, to curate a workspace for play, ritual-making, and fulfill a lack. This convening bore the seed of Les Noirs; Killed by Trying. In process, KB performs their role as resident actor, active observer, doer, and leader of the rhythmic score. CK conducts generative and reflective writing sessions as archiver, dramaturg, and resident actor. DG molds as director, vocal/movement lead, and performer. With more access to opportunity, these artists will meet over 5-years for 2-week-long ritual-makings, each quarter, to flesh out this new theatre piece, investigating how their individual journeys travel within the collective, and how their access to spirit manifests inside the theatrical.
Les Noirs; Killed by Trying is a ceremony for our funeral. This deconstruction of a theatrical event is a queer kinky romp inspired by Jean Genet’s play. By curating a vibratory and subversive presentation within a salon-style exhibition, we endeavor to liberate and expand the narrative surrounding black femme, non-binary, and trans queers.
Departing from narratives of external pain, we’re setting a distinct space for sensuality. Expect a fusion of camp, pandemonium, and spiritual release, as the Afro-surreal collides with the Afro-absurd. We are delving into a disjointed universe where our dreams are real, where our battlement with injustice reveals the messy, and our aim for liberty makes jouissance.
-- DG + KB + CK + VA