WACO Theater Center Unveils Still Here Live Experience
An interactive installation and immersive performance focused on the stories of Black women and HIV will take place inside a vibrant hair salon. This unique approach aims to engage audiences in meaningful dialogue about the realities facing Black women impacted by HIV/AIDS.
An Innovative Artistic Exploration
The STILL HERE LIVE EXPERIENCE, a collaborative effort backed by Gilead Sciences, is designed to highlight the complex lived experiences of Black women grappling with health issues like HIV. This event is set to commence in late September, offering both an installation and performance that challenge existing societal perceptions and foster understanding.
Beauty Salon as a Cultural Haven
The inspiration for this live experience comes from reimagining the hair salon as a space for community engagement. Hair salons have historically served as gathering spots where conversations flow freely. WACO innovatively transforms this familiar environment into an exhibition space, inviting attendees to reflect on the intersection of beauty, identity, and health narratives.
Mission-Driven Storytelling
The event resonates deeply with WACO's mission of empowering marginalized communities through art. As Shay Wafer, the Executive Director, articulates, storytelling is crucial in connecting people and fostering social change. The STILL HERE LIVE EXPERIENCE enriches this legacy by centering the voices of Black women.
Creative Leadership Behind the Experience
This project is brought to life through the visionary efforts of Creative Directors williambryantmiles and Nickolas Vaughan. Their combined expertise in performance arts and social advocacy enriches the narrative, offering a nuanced portrayal of resilience and community.
The Performance and Installation Unfolds
The experience comprises two main components — the Installation and the Performance. The Installation invites participants to engage with artistic exhibits housed in hair dryers and shampoo bowls, showcasing works by acclaimed artists, including Emmy recipient Ashlei Dabney-Griffin, visual creator YoYo Lander, and Tony-winning designer Nikiya Mathis.
A Cast of Talents
The stage performance features a diverse cast of talented actors, including Marinda Anderson, known for her Broadway work, alongside other notable performers. Movement direction is provided by Roxi Victorian, with costumes crafted by Ceci, a seasoned designer with a rich history in television and theater.
The Reality of HIV and Its Impact
While advances have been made in reducing HIV diagnoses, Black women remain significantly affected. The statistics tell a troubling story: Black females constitute a disproportionate share of HIV diagnoses in the U.S., despite being a smaller percentage of the total female population. This reality underscores the urgency of initiatives like the STILL HERE LIVE EXPERIENCE.
Personal Reflections and Commitment
Tina Knowles, Artistic Director and Co-Founder, shares how deeply the subject resonates with her. Having lost a close family member to the disease, she emphasizes the importance of this work in illuminating hidden truths about HIV and the need for ongoing dialogue and support.
A Call to Reflect and Connect
Through the STILL HERE LIVE EXPERIENCE, WACO aims not only to challenge assumptions but also to amplify the voices of those directly affected by HIV. By sharing their stories, the production fosters connections, personal reflections, and a renewed commitment to understanding health disparities.
The STILL HERE LIVE EXPERIENCE will run from September 25 to September 28 at DreamGirls Salon in Culver City. This immersive opportunity combines education, art, and emotional storytelling, inviting community members to witness the profound narratives of Black women.
Installation and Performance Schedule
- Installation Experience (Free)
- Thursday: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10 AM – 12 PM
- Performance Experience (Ticketed)
- Approx. 1-hour runtime
- Thursday: 5 PM & 8 PM
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1 PM, 4 PM & 8 PM
- Tickets: $15
Discover More About WACO Theater Center
WACO (Where Art Can Occur) Theater Center stands committed to empowering voices through the arts, fostering an inclusive environment where stories rooted in the African diaspora are celebrated. They provide a platform for collaboration among artists, offering mentorship and educational opportunities to ignite creativity and community engagement.
This transformative work will continue to evolve as WACO partners with the City of Los Angeles, contributing to the revitalization of key cultural spaces in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the STILL HERE LIVE EXPERIENCE?
It is an interactive installation and performance focusing on Black women's experiences with HIV, staged in a hair salon setting.
When will the event take place?
The event runs from September 25 to September 28.
How can I attend the performance?
Tickets for the performance are available for $15 and can be purchased online.
Who are the main creators of this experience?
The experience is conceived by Creative Directors williambryantmiles and Nickolas Vaughan, supported by various artists.
What is WACO Theater Center's mission?
WACO aims to empower communities through art, highlighting stories and promoting dialogue within the African diaspora.
