MELONCHOLIA: A Black Rage Ritual

Fibroids — mysterious uterine tumors prevalent in Black people — are often compared to fruit in size. Some are as small as apple seeds while others grow as large as watermelons. Though their origins continue to stump researchers, some point to the hormonal and genetic impacts of unaddressed anger.

Who's allowed to be angry? Repression is a form of social control that weakens both the physical and collective body. With no safe way to be expressed, our anger can turn inward, becoming shame and silence, powerlessness and pain. How can we reclaim our right to feel and express anger? Which systems and structures deserve our loud dissent? What would transform — inside and around us — if we set our anger free?

Where does anger live in your body, and what does it want you to know? Join poet Kemi Alabi for a speculative theory of fibroids and fruit-filled Full Moon in Aries rage ritual. Featuring music by DJ Love Marie, fruit banquet and libations by Alexandra Antoine, and somatic support by Liberation Healing, we'll shake, smash, speak, feel, and air out what ails us.

Masks strongly encouraged and provided. Event supported by an Individual Artists Program Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Learn more about MELONCHOLIA and the audio collage here.

Info: An interactive gallery walk. Enter the world of fibroids and share your own relationship to pain, stress, and anger.

Info: Doors close, vents open. An audio immersion, the pouring of libations, and a toast to begin.

Info: A fruit banquet table to dine on or smash. A shake space with vibes by DJ Love Marie. Somatic invitations to let the anger move you.

Info: Closing it out with herbal supports, conversation, and calls to action.

Event venue & nearby stays

Experimental Station, 6100 South Blackstone Avenue, Chicago, United States

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