SCALPED
For black women one of the most common shared experiences is a passive but ever present scrutiny. From what you wear to the way you walk, and most especially hair. Whether permed, braided, or in locs,
black hair is “political”.
Scalped is an outdoor dance theatre exhibition piece focusing on black women’s hair in professional spaces and western society.
The dance piece written by Damilola DK Fashola, and co-created by Wofai, is a comment on the objectification and exhibitionism black hair brings.
With a nod to Grace Jones, self-acceptance triumphs through movement and rhythm in a world where
the CORPORATE meets the fantastic.
A mix of fashion and otherness.
MUSIC & MOVEMENT
Mirroring the multi-dimensional Black woman, in spirit, style, tone and existence. An emotive mix of various styles/genres frames the piece from Physical theatre to old skool sounds including Hip Hop, Dancehall, Afrobeats, Vogue. Featuring choreography from its Movement Director Fashola, and collaborative cast.
Grace Jones QUOTES are utilised throughout like “being masculine, what is that?" exemplifying how she lived beyond expectations of what a Black woman 'can' think, say, or be. As well as real life experiences quotes from other Black women including Floetry's Natalie Stewart and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. Likewise, original poetry from Fashola and excerpts are included from Elizabeth Acevedo's "Hair" and Crystal Valentine & Aaliyah Jihad's "Hide Your Shea Butter" Poems.
PERFORMERS
Patience James - Audrey Lobe - Bubsy Spence - DK - Bimpe Pacheco
Brighton: Imana Davis - Sarah Lisney - Paola Nyembo
CREATIVE TEAM
Creator, Executive & Creative Producer Wofai | Creator, Movement Director, Writer, Co-Producer Damilola DK Fashola
Associate Producer Rachael Head | Sound Designer Tyrone Isaac-Stuart
Set Designer Ruby Jennings | Wig/Prop Designer Lottie Bull
Original Costume Designer Paulina Domaszewska | Additional Styling Wofai
Additional Wig Customisations: Michelle D'Costa, Wofai, DK, & Ifeyinwa Nmanma
Creative Assistants Michelle D'Costa, Ifeyinwa Nmanma & Bimpe Pacheco
"Scalped" has been supported by Without Walls, And Commissioned for Brighton, Greenwich+Docklands International and Stockton International Riverside Festivals
The R&D for "Scalped" is supported by Blueprint: Without Walls R&D Investment Fund
Without Walls is the UK’s largest commissioner of outdoor arts shows, taking inspiring new work to audiences all over the country and beyond. For more information on the work of Without Walls, please visit www.withoutwalls.uk.com
