Desire: A Sankofa Dream, by Maria Bauman and MBDance, is a site-responsive, immersive performance-ritual built around Black Queer survival techniques such as place-claiming and world-building. It presupposes a world wherein our ancestors are unicorns who have come back to remind humans of our possibilities and agency. Choreographer and writer Maria Bauman reimagines Desire for each new site it inhabits, making it unique every time it is offered. In the tradition of the Radical Faeirie network and of Black & Brown queer youth claiming and co-creating Christopher Street Pier in NYC, the inhabitants always affect the space. This exciting piece of embodied speculative fiction includes a Cat’s Cradle-like yarn installation that creates fractals and portals. With Desire: A Sankofa Dream, Bauman and MBDance conjure a new site and choreography for dancing and speaking with, through and in spite of the possibilities and obstacles of the installation—a site of world-building and choice-making.
This 2022 version of the work at BAX will be danced by MBDance associate artistic director Audrey Hailes with Maria Bauman and it is the kick-off to the QTPOC Sankofa Dreaming weekend festival.
Please note, this event will be filmed as participants move through the space. However, participants who would like to opt out of filming may do so, and they will be given a wristband for the duration of the performance.
Timing & Space Details:
This is a live performance in the BAX Theater. Masks and proof of vaccination are required for the in-person event.
Covid Notes:
All performers and audience members must show proof of vaccination upon admission. Audience will remain masked for the duration of the showcase. Performers who will be maskless are required to submit a negative COVID test within 48 hours of the performance.
Accessibility :
BAX is on the second and third floors of the building with stairwells that extend from the ground floor entrance to the building’s third floor. There is no elevator or ramp at this time. BAX is actively working on an extensive accessibility initiative and is committed to implementing ADA-compliant solutions that open the spaces to all.
There will be ASL interpretation at the performance.
Questions or access needs? Email: info@bax.org.