Black Jones

Through a ritualistic process, we intend to create and dream of a safe space for black men to activate their emotional and spiritual selves that is denied in contemporary religious dogma. Black Jones is an exploration of manhood through the naked lens of two same-gender loving men.  Inspired by ShiKeith’s #Blackmendream project, this work will investigate the humanistic and emotional connection that is viciously suffocated by the lack of societal images of black male intimacy. We question the notion of vulnerability when connecting with ones self and others. How does one detach from their fears and insecurities to live authentically under hetronormative standards? What does black male intimacy look like in different spaces globally and how are those bodies navigating, connecting, and/or resisting in a society with harshly strict perceptions?

Credits:

Choreographers/ Directors: Orlando Zane Hunter, Jr & Ricarrdo Valentine

Dancers: Orlando Zane Hunter, Jr & Ricarrdo Valentine

Composer/Sound Designer:Orlando Zane Hunter Jr.

Media: Komfort Katchey

Costumer Designer: Brother(hood) Dance! & Tennille Nakimuli McMillian

The creation of Black Jones was made possible, in part, by Dancing While Black: and then there was fire...Masculinities Re/Born