Upcoming Events
Performances
Black Feather Theatre Co. is the home for the performance art of Yao Kahlil Newkirk. Here you can stay current on performances and projects.
Separation Anxiety
04/23/23 - 04/23/24
In a tribute to Trayvon Martin and those who have been victims of lynching, both present and past, Yao Kahlil Newkirk is embarking upon a one-year-long performance that began on April 23rd, 2023 @12:05pm, and will end on April 23rd, 2024 @12:05pm.
Yao Kahlil is currently wearing a black hoodie for an entire year. The hoodie is a physical embodiment and representation of blackness. It represents stereotypes. It represents microaggressions. It represents racial discrimination. It represents inequity. It represents all the things that Black Americans don't have the privilege of separating themselves from on a daily basis. They/We/I must live with this identity, sleep with this identity, work with this identity, drive with this identity, be a student with this identity, and the list goes on.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Separation Anxiety, the Hoodie Uninstallation
Press Release
Monday, April 8, 2024
Performance Artist Yao Kahlil Newkirk is bringing his One-Year-Long performance, Separation Anxiety, to a close. The finale takes place on April 23rd, 2024. It is the culmination of 366 days of wearing the same black hoodie in honor of “Trayvon Martin, and every victim of lynching both present & past.”
Separation Anxiety explores art-based trauma, life lessons, generational values, stereotypes, and the daily representation of blackness. This performance is composed and performed by Artist Yao Kahlil Newkirk, who serves as Founder and Artistic Director of the Black Feather Theatre Company. Participants will have a moment to witness history in the making; the cutting of the locs. Yao’s hair, which has been sewn, and connected to the black hoodie, will be cut during this live stage presentation. Matika Goldsmith, local business owner, stylist and artist who performed Yao’s initial hoodie installation, will examine her stitches to confirm they have not been compromised, and will then cut the hair, freeing Yao from the black hoodie for the first time in a year.
This live stage presentation will feature Clark Academy Dance Center, under the direction of Matthew Clark, a re-enactment of events from the past year, readings, and a viewing of a short film created by Yao Kahlil for this experience. Following the cutting of the locs will be a brief Q&A session for audience members.
Separation Anxiety began April 23, 2023. One year later, the Buffalo & Erie County Library will host Newkirk’s Hoodie Uninstallation to take place at the Mason O. Damon Auditorium (Downtown Central Library) 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY 14203 on April 23rd, 2024, from 11:00am – 12:40pm. Doors will open at 10:45am for seating.
Read Full Buffalo News Article from Original Hoodie Installation Here
Photo Credit: Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News