RECAP: Informal Showing

Earlier today, we had an Informal Showing for one person. Yes, only one person showed up after inviting over ten people. I was relieved – surprisingly – because this was my first showing of this work to anyone outside of the collaborators involved. In retrospect, it was a great learning experience – when to send our invitation, how to run an informal showing, how I want to conduct it, and more. So shout out to that one being that braved the NYC Transit system on a Sunday afternoon and entered the world of stubbornMVMT. I appreciate you, WE appreciate you.

During the showing, we performed two sections of the evening-length work: "Institutional Freedom" and "say I Love You." Both of these pieces are heaving in context ranging from socio-political issues such as Black Lives Matter and the hypocrisy in Black Culture to the complex idea of how and why we approach sex. Can you imagine being thrown into a world where you can describe, feel, and see how unworthy you are and then made to feel like it is all you should have? Well, that's what we created for you. A plethora of feelings and emotions that would make anyone just say, "Fuck it All."

There are some subtle and "feel-good" parts in HOMEless as well. However, the purpose was to create intentional chaos forcing those to ask questions, feel an emotion, and feel brave enough to act up and act out. That is why I created the company – for all of the voices that are free, radical, and feel like they don't belong; to finally have a place where you can speak freely and the only person who can stop you is you. I mean, we are stubborn for a reason.

After we performed the work, DeVante facilitated a Restorative Circle. For those of you who are not familiar with a Restorative Circle, it is an indigenous practice for black and brown folk to have a conversation, share information, and tell stories. We shared stories of what HOME meant to us, what we think of HOME, and what we consider HOME? Reflecting on that experience, I found it interesting that while I was trying to find HOME in self, I couldn't quite place HOME to a structure here in NYC. The places I frequent and love, all have meaning and hold purpose, but none of them were my HOME. Instead, it is my chosen family, the people who make me feel invincible and safe. The people who see and acknowledge me, not just as this thing, but someone who does more than just take up space.

So I challenge you all to ask yourself three questions: What does HOME mean to you? What is HOME? What reminds you of HOME? Feel free to comment below with your answers or shoot me a message, rodd@stubbornMVMT.com. I'm interested in knowing.

Until then, stay stubborn!

Rodd