Beloved: A requiem for our dead

I knew I didn't want to miss this show solely for who was behind its organization. Leah Lakshmi is one of my friends and ex-housemates and I love her dearly. But it's her work that floors me every single time. Leah and Cherry Galette are the forces behind Mangos With Chili which is a performance event all about love for queer disabled brown bodies and their allies. A Requiem for our dead also came from the hearts and minds of these two women and the passion which went into it shone brightly on this past Saturday evening.

The show was in honor of our family/ancestors who have passed and whom we carry their memories on the maps of our bodies. The night was filled with sacred performances in the form of spoken word, prayer rituals, dance, and film segments. There was also a beautiful altar adorned with pictures, candles and mementos of folks loved ones whom were being remembered that night. 

Upon entering, the energy in the room was very vibrant, there was a lot of chatter, picture taking, laughter, hugs and warm greetings. As soon as the lights dimmed and the shadows of candles began to dance along the walls, a quiet hush filtered throughout the space and we opened with a very beautiful prayer. The mood was set for a very fulfilling and sometimes emotional night. Space was made for audience members to speak the names of family and friends whom they lost and at times, tears were dropped but we were reminded that this night was in celebration of their life and work, not a mourning of lost. There were a few comedic moments with one of the spoken word artists, Mia McKenzie, who did an amazing poetic tribute to Whitney Houston whom she claims as family. (I do too :) The poem itself was not solely meant as comedy but Mia's delivery and some of the one liners in the style of Whitney got laughs, and I really enjoyed it. Also, Ms. Vagina Jenkins tastefully seductive burlesque show was entertaining and powerfully beautiful as she honored all of the brown women who embrace our bodies as vibrant sexual holders of memory and life. 

The show was held at The Living Room Project in Oakland and it was very small which was fitting for the event. It was intimate and held a certain healing power within the space. I'm really glad I was able to make this event.