By Jennifer Denning
How does a bi-racial performance company prepare for an
improvised performance at a Unitarian Universalist conference sponsored by the
UU’s “Allies for Racial Equity?”
As the white director of this company, I find myself in an
interesting position. I’m aware of the need to decentralize whiteness, and I’m
also holding the responsibility of creating the structure for a performance
that will be meaningful and effective for performer and audience alike.
My own journey of understanding systemic racism, the oppression of people of color and white
privilege has come though self-education as well as honest communication across
color lines. I have been sending articles to our white company members to
deepen awareness, as well as inviting our POC company members to communicate
what they need during this performance.
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| Soulprint Players rehearsal, photo by Ruth Schowalter |
And so we move into new territory together with as much
bumbling grace as we can, and I notice a new presence of realness emerging as
we openly acknowledge difference and inequity and grapple together on how to
create real change.
Personal story and connection,
artistic expression of that which is “beyond words”, “exformation”- InterPlay’s
tool for moving information out of the body, and embodied awareness are just
some of the tools InterPlay offers in the movement towards racial justice.
InterPlay creates a space where we can find our connection to possibility, flow
and grace and then move wisely forward in our work for equity. InterPlay roots
us in the present, where creative possibility dwells.
Come join us at the conference
October 20-22. Let’s deepen awareness, explore creative possibilities and move
into action for racial justice together!
