NOTES ON SURVIVAL, 2021
Notes on Survival is a multimedia performance that shifts between moments of protest, rest and pure joy. Anchored in both the public and private experiences of Black Oklahoman Womxn activists, this dance-theater piece questions if Black Womxn can and should save us.
“One of the first things I noticed and what felt unique was that the history of the Civil Rights Movement seems to have been led by Black women here in Oklahoma,” Casimir said. “I wanted to know what's happening here in Oklahoma with these women as leaders. … What does it mean that we know them and we can name them? And what do their lives look like? The more and more I talked to them, I realized that there's a celebration of Black women leaders in Oklahoma.”
We gather across time and space to share notes about what it means to truly be free in the fight for racial and gender equity.
This performance is a collaborative effort featuring the artistic labor of Marie Casimir, Grace Franklin, Fabian Garcia, Angel Little, Matt Miller, Gay Pasley, Ahkamaye Perry, Jessica Ray, J'aime Griffith and Joy Douglas. We also acknowledge the labor and contributions of activists Sheri Dickerson, Grace Franklin, Camille Landry, Sincere Terry and Aleah Walker.
This performance is supported by a partnership with Oklahoma Contemporary and a Creative Projects Grant from Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition.
Presented by Djaspora Productions | Directed by Marie Casimir
Featuring Marie Casimir, Ahkamye Perry and Jessica Ray