of blood and water, make me new to
be old again
37 Furnace Bank Road – The Wassaic Project
May 18, 2024
Photo by Joshua Simpson, c/o The Wassaic Project
A performance piece by Jazmine Hayes intricately weaving together the complex threads of life, embodying diverse roles as a Black queer woman artist and ultimately, as a human being.
Hayes’ forthcoming performance serves as a captivating visual and sensory experience, offering a profound glimpse into the internal struggles and triumphs of selfhood.
Guided by the insightful verses of Assata Shakur's poem Affirmation, Hayes explores the rebellious spirit inherent in the act of living, growing, and experiencing within oppressive conditions, assuring audiences that freedom is not merely a concept but a tangible and achievable reality.
of blood and water, make me new to be old again unfolds with Hayes gracefully moving across the Wassaic grounds, utilizing improvisational dance, sound healing, breathwork, and ritual to create a multisensory narrative. These artistic elements become powerful conduits for thought-provoking conversations on rest, grief, care, and joy, specifically within the context of Black experiences.
The genesis of this project traces back to a fundamental question: “What does it mean to embody Assata Shakur’s poem, Affirmation?”, with the poem's first lines reading, “ I believe in living, I believe in the spectrum of Beta days and Gamma People”. of blood and water, make me new to be old again stands as a testament to Jazmine Hayes' commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and fostering meaningful dialogue.
Press
Photos by Joshua Simpson, c/o The Wassaic Project
OFFICIAL trailer
about the wassaic project
c/o The Wassaic Project
The Wassaic Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, uses art and arts education to foster positive social change. They nurture connections between their artists and their neighbors facilitating a mutual broadening of perspectives and respect across economic and cultural boundaries.
The Wassaic Project envisions a community in the Hamlet of Wassaic and its surrounding region that is socially inclusive, generous, cooperative, and economically vibrant.
project Credits
Director: Jazmine Hayes
Director of Photography: Azikiwe Aboagye
Editor: Jazmine Hayes
Music: Jazmine Hayes, Jake Robbins
Performed by: Jazmine Hayes
Wardrobe Design Assistant: Danica Pantic, Nicolette Vega
This piece is co-produced by Dashboard and The Wassaic Project. Funding for this piece was provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.
