Connected like a puppet to objects that have informed the Black experience in America, multidisciplinary artist Edisa Weeks alternates between blackface, whiteface, storytelling, and visceral dance to dig into the pathologizing of African Americans and the foundations of Liberty in America.

3 RITES: Liberty begins with an installation of roots made out of paper and twine that hang from the ceiling to the floor. You are invited to move through the roots as if moving through the underbelly of history before eventually meeting the “Liberty” character played by Weeks. Her hair is braided to resemble the Statue of Liberty’s crown. Each spoke of the hair crown is connected via tie-lines and pulleys to specific objects — Bible, black dick, blonde wig, gun, lightbulb, sneakers, watermelon that represent the Black experience in America.

As our nation grapples with confederate monuments, Black Lives Matter, fake news, and economic stratification; 3 RITES: Liberty humorously and poignantly insists on a reckoning with our past and present.

Immediately after the performance in the theater, we invite you to join us for a conversation to provide a moment of communal digestion, and to discuss what is resonating with you after experiencing the liberty rite.

Warning: The show contains mature themes and potentially triggering content about psychological and sexual violence. Not recommended for children under thirteen.

Photo Credit: nicki lee