Yinka Shonibare is a British-Nigerian born in 1962, who is an artist based in the United Kingdom. His work examines the intersections of cultural identity expressed between the dichotomy of colonialism and post-colonialism within the contemporary context. Join Jé Exodus Hooper as we explore the work entitled, “The Scramble for Africa,” a historic gathering of colonial statesmen laying claim to the continent and emphasizing the Western power complex.  After a series of inquire reflections, Jé will offer an intervention.

Join Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID: 473 702 460 Passcode: Contact leader@wsfec.org

Jé Exodus Hooper (they/them) teaches Theatre History, current PhD candidate within the School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Ethical Humanist clergy. Both as performer and clergy within the Ethical Culture Movement and First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, their ritual-based performance is grounded in the act of homiletics, decolonial Humanism and Black Intellectual Thought. Jé’s love for orality involves the aesthetic of Black folk-talk– one of imagination as meaning-making. Their word-working emphasizes human freedom and interconnectedness through embodiment, intuition, creativity, and improvisation.

Their most recent production, Keep Liv’n, expresses the importance of cultural care and self-care. They have also directed and created a film entitled, “Humanitas: A Conscious Coloring of Kindness”, based on the relationship of W.E.B. DuBois and Felix Adler, was sponsored and funded by American Ethical Union’s Mossler Fellowship that debuted with New York City.  Other works include “Moving Upon the Face of the Deep,” featuring Dr. Cornel West; “The Black Sacred Communion,” and a collaboration with his life partner, storäe michele, entitled, [the listening heart]. 

Exemplifying a commitment to equity and inclusion within the arts community at Ohio University, the School of Theatre and Jé are working closely together to decenter the stage and share the spotlight of all those voices that make up our incredible students, staff, and faculty. These kinds of transdisciplinary approaches console and agitate communities in re-imagining and re-claiming narratives that honor the inherited worth and dignity within all people– a love-work that Jé is committed to!

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