Emersion by Najee-Zaid

Emersion releases that which must be shed. Allowing that which must become through movement, space, scent, sound, and form. Emersion seeks to allow for personal and collective transformation by offering meditations and wellness services when possible. We are conduits reactivating the bodymind, and participating with the energies present. This June 28th Emersion Night 1 performance (masks required) is an exploratory and experimental visual and sonic journey rooted in togetherness and rest with a Low Sensory* feel led by Masisi Najee-Zaid. This performance pays homage to queer ancestors, the matrilineal, Afro-Diasporic tradition, and embodiments of home. Emersion Night 2 on June 29th is a visual and sonic activation rooted in transfiguration with a High Sensory* feel led by Masisi Najee-Zaid. Performers are encouraged to traverse the crafting of space-time in realtime using movement, music, vocalizations, rhythm, and olfactory methods. This performance will pay homage to queer ancestors and the matrilineal, Afro-Diasporic tradition, and embodiments of home. Following a 2-year journey of “Immersion” , an original work of Najee-Zaid’s which was highly participatory and exclusively performed at Elastic Arts, “Emersion” reveals findings of self and environment through a structured analysis embodied by performance. In that way, Emersion is a linear advancement of the processes Najee-Zaid employed to devise their previous work. However, Emersion remains a new and unique body of work to be witnessed. It is paramount that we expose our respect and reverence for all efforts by and for those who exist outside of the heterosexual and heteronormative. June 28th and June 29th of 2024 is the 55th anniversary of the infamous Stonewall Resistance brought forth by so many LGBTQ+ ancestors and their allies, with greatest admiration for the late Marsha P. Johnson and Silvia Rivera. Links Hall remains an ideal venue to divulge this practice as it has been a pillar for LGBTQ+ artists and creatives in its internal leadership and external offerings. May our institutions of queer solidarity remain steadfast amidst the strife of the world and into our collective liberation! This performance will feature at least one refreshment. *Low Sensory (June 28th - Night 1) features of this performance include reduced noise levels, absence of scent, no flashing lights, color schemes designed to be sensory friendly. *High Sensory (June 29th - Night 2) features of this performance include full sound levels, olfactory activations (scent), flashing/strobing lights, bright lights, and potential audience involvement. Collaborators: Alejandro Salazar (Musician), Paige Brown (Musician), and Viktor Le-Givens (Movement and Installation) Music/Sound: Composed by Najee-Zaid Special Thanks: Given to my ancestors, family, friends, those who have supported me, and the Links Hall team. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

Event Links

Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/2487523-0

Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2487523-2

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