( A.R.E.N.A )
ADVANCING RADICAL EXPERIMENTAL NEGRITUDE ART
Curated & Hosted by Arien Wilkerson/TNMOT AZTRO iLab Artist in Residence at the
University of the Arts In Philadelphia, Pa.
( A.R.E.N.A ) is a 3 day in person program of experimental dance, research, video, sound, image,
sculpture, literature and lecture featuring queer black and brown artist, scholars and (non black/brown)
allies who make work, practice or discipline that interconnects, interlocks, and makes legible “‘Negritude’:
The affirmation or consciousness of the value of black/brown or African culture, heritage, and identity in
art and education.”
A.R.E.N.A
A.R.E.N.A
GET. YOUR. TIX. AT. EITHER. LINK.
$10 PER NIGHT $30 FOR ALL 3 NIGHTS
PLEASE SPECIFY WHICH PROGRAM WHEN YOU VENMO OR CASH APP AND WHICH SHOW TIMING FOR THURSDAY
Schematics designed by Arien Wilkerson - Kevin P Keenan - Jacob Weinberg
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS WHO MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO REACH OUR FIRST GOAL OF $3,307 which completed the set design of A.R.E.N.A
The production date is April 25, 26, 27 at 333 South Broad Street Philadelphia University of The Arts Anderson Hall 3rd Floor ILab gallery. The installs including tech would begin April 19th 2024.
A.R.E.N.A
A.R.E.N.A
(A.R.E.N.A) Head support contact and support director | Raul Romero - Director for Special Projects, Office of the President, University of the Arts
Uarts student lead tech director and lighting designer - Manny Garcia
| Uarts sound team | Gloria Quinn ( Ableton Professor) || Kevin P Kennan (Tnmot Aztro) provided sound tech |
| Sound provided by Kevin P Keenan |
| Set fabrication Kevin P Kennan | Projections Jacob Weinberg || Co-creative director Domenic Pellegrini |
| Marley flooring provided by: ICEBOX Project Space Philadelphia, PA. |
| lighting provided by: Ira Brind School of Theater Arts Thom Weaver |
PERFORMING ARTIST
Sol Collyear
Chloe Marie
Daniil Zakirzyanov
Kwami Winfield
Gloria Quinn
Malcolm X Betts
Cash
Onyx Demonic
Saint Sol
Kat Nzingha
RUN OF SHOW
Program 1.
Hours of Hope…..and despair - a progression into the nowhere……
Arien Wilkerson, accompanied by their dedicated team of collaborators, is thrilled to present performance works that resonate with the ongoing research and dance theater piece "835 Hours of Hope and Despair." This responsive and spontaneous dance theater experience is continuing Wilkerson’s mission of delving into the societal conditions that perpetuate violence against Black individuals. It goes beyond isolated incidents of violence, instead exploring the deep-rooted urge to inflict harm—an emotional turmoil that transcends generations. During the iLAB residency, Wilkerson had the opportunity to develop new material, recruit additional dancers, and expand the movement vocabulary of the piece. This included refining set design, seating elements, character development, and actions within the performance. The program showcases fresh choreography by Wilkerson and dance collaborators Chloe Marie, Daniil Zakirzyanov, and Sol Collyear, accompanied by sound accompaniment from collaborator Kami Winfield and newcomer Gloria Quinn. "Hours of Hope... and Despair - a Progression into the Nowhere..." intricately weaves personal narratives into choreographic experiments, engaging and provoking the audience with innovative ideas within a welcoming atmosphere. This marks a shift from witnessing dance solely through Wilkerson's artistic lens to embracing a collective perspective from the performing artists. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the depths of emotion and expression.
THURSDAY APRIL 25TH TWO PERFORMANCES IN ONE NIGHT
DOORS OPEN AT 6:30PM PERFORMANCE 1 STARTS @ 7:30PM | 7:40 LATEST WE CAN HOLD |
PERFORMANCE 2 STARTS @ 9:30PM | ENDS 10:30PM - LATEST 10:45PM - OUT BY 11:30PM
Program 2.
Stygian noise
Join us for an important event that not only celebrates the vibrant world of experimental noise music but also advocates for greater diversity and representation within the community. It's disheartening to witness the lack of visibility for Black, Brown, queer, and trans noise artists in our scene. Noise music has deep roots in Black abstraction, yet these voices are often overlooked in the narrative of experimental noise music. We need to challenge the status quo and actively support and uplift Black and Brown noise artists. It's not enough for our white counterparts to simply participate in noise sets; they must also demand inclusivity and diversity in booking practices. That's why I have created this event—to shine a spotlight on Black experimental noise artists and to urge our white peers to do more. By coming together and amplifying marginalized voices, we can create a more inclusive and equitable community for all noise artists. Your presence and support at this event are crucial in fostering positive change and building a more diverse and representative noise music scene. Let's make noise together and ensure that everyone's voice is heard.
Come here the sounds of: Tear, Onyx Demonic, Saint Sol, Kat Nzingha, Kwami Winfield, Gloryhole.
FRIDAY APRIL 26TH DOORS OPEN AT 7PM SHOWTIME: 7:45PM - Each person gets 15 mins including switch over time in-between sets End by 10pm | the latest 10:30pm |
The term "Stygian" typically refers to something dark, gloomy, or hellish in nature, deriving from the river Styx in Greek mythology, which was believed to be the river of the underworld. It is often used metaphorically to describe situations, places, or atmospheres that are shadowy, sinister, or associated with death and the afterlife. A stygian character might be depicted as brooding, mysterious, or morally ambiguous impling a sense of darkness, often with connotations of the supernatural or the macabre.
Program 3.
Niggas at Sundown
Step into the electrifying world of Malcolm X Betts as he unleashes his groundbreaking performance series, "Niggas at Sundown." As a multifaceted artist—choreographer, photographer, painter, and dancer—Betts invites us on a mesmerizing journey through themes of displacement, identity, memory, institutional critique, and dance itself. With each riveting performance, "Niggas at Sundown" challenges us to confront the complexities of the black experience and the haunting legacy of sundown towns in the United States. Through powerful movement and thought-provoking imagery, Betts dares us to reimagine the black body as a sanctuary of belonging in a world rife with prejudice and violence. With every step, every gesture, he unveils the stark reality of being visibly Black in a society that too often seeks to erase or marginalize our existence. Prepare to be captivated, inspired, and moved as Malcolm X Betts fearlessly pushes the boundaries of art and activism. "Niggas at Sundown" is more than just a performance—it's a call to action, a celebration of resilience, and a testament to the enduring power of black creativity. Join us as we embark on this unforgettable journey toward truth, justice, and liberation.
SATURDAY APRIL 27TH DOORS OPEN AT 7PM SHOWTIME: 7:45PM - ends at 9pm | latest 9:30pm |
A.R.E.N.A. Questions:
What of our artistic genealogies and community histories would we want with us as we navigate towards the unknown future?
Would we want the histories of enslavement and colonization to follow us always and a reminder?
Is there a way to forego foundational narratives and be made anew while still being supported?
What would being black or brown look, feel and sound like without terrestrial racism?
How is greatness in dialogue with access, power, and ease?
How have you been trained to be who you are?
Do you consciously live your life towards attraction and away from repulsion?
What limiting traditions do you uphold?
Howw might we organize ourselves outside of the system of buying and selling performance art?
Purpose & Action
Purpose & Action
Universities must revolutionize the narratives of education to empower young working artists and arts educators to shape conversations around learning, individualism, liberation, danger, and discovery. This program is led by a dynamic group of working artists and educators aged between their twenties and forties (22 to 40). This age range is significant as it reflects a period of "primeness" often associated with patriarchal ideals of age, health, and stability.
By engaging with young people, we not only cultivate a vibrant dialogue but also recognize the invaluable contributions of our elders. Through collaboration and exploration, we develop a language that acknowledges the wisdom of our predecessors while embracing the energy and innovation of youth. It is essential to bridge the generational gap and foster mutual understanding between different age groups.
My aim is to provide young artists with a platform to learn from the wisdom of our elders and to explore new territories of creativity. Together, we can honor the legacy of those who came before us while charting a course for the future that is inclusive, diverse, and deeply rooted in our collective experiences. Let us build bridges across generations and create a community where everyone's voices are heard and valued.
Outcomes
● Create public space that is usable and safe, through the creation of a multi-use performance space for education, recreation, and development.
● Prompt social-emotional healing through the arts by producing an event that allows students, artists, teachers, and parents to share, hold, acknowledge and reflect on their experiences as an audience member.
● Using experimental practices and performance art to catalyze systems change through the arts by creating a lasting framework for dialogue which addresses the social-emotional consequences linked within each of the programming thematic concerns.
ADVANCING RADICAL EXPERIMENTAL NEGRITUDE ART
ADVANCING RADICAL EXPERIMENTAL NEGRITUDE ART
ARENA challenges
I have poured my heart and soul into this project, diving deep into the depths of my being to ensure that these three nights resonate with authenticity and depth. As a queer Black trans individual, I’ve encountered numerous obstacles along the way. It’s often a daunting challenge for individuals like myself to secure the necessary backing and support to bring our visions to life.
This three-day event is more than just a showcase; it’s a profound exploration of identity and a response to the pervasive violence we witness and experience daily in Philadelphia, encompassing both environmental and racial (in)justice. My goal is to challenge the way we perceive ourselves and our histories within the city’s landscape.
Ultimately, the aim of this event is to spark meaningful change in our systems and behaviors through experimental performance art. It’s about fostering dialogue and bridging the gap between the vibrant Philly DIY arts scene and the academic world, which often perpetuates fear and gatekeeping.
I want to create a space where we can confront the social and emotional consequences of these issues and work towards building a more inclusive and equitable society together. Your support in this endeavor means the world to me, and I am deeply grateful for your involvement in this journey toward positive transformation.
Arien Wilkerson is a current 2023-2024 ILab Artist In Residence - The Inspiration Lab Artist-in-Residency Program at the University of the Arts (iLAB) provides emerging and mid-career artists a unique opportunity to create and develop new work in a dynamic and supportive environment. The program offers selected artists access to the university’s state-of-the-art facilities and a stipend toward expenses during their residency.
The emerging and mid-career artists—selected by a rotating committee of arts professionals, such as curators, academics and critics—receive critical support to reflect, experiment and produce compelling new work.
This residency program provides 10 studios and two accompanying installation and exhibition spaces on the third floor of Anderson Hall, an eight-story building on South Broad Street devoted to visual art, design and museum studies.
