Somi: in the absence of things (on-demand until 12/8/2020)
Free
Somi Kakoma, voice
Somi: in the absence of things – a film by Mariona Lloreta
Vocalist, composer, and writer Somi forges new ground with this experimental short film exploring the spiritual consequence of the global pandemic on creative practice. Partially narrated by Somi’s mother, this meditative film blends spoken word, art song, and movement with deconstructed concert recordings from Somi’s new live album. The piece aims to frame the disruption of otherwise quieted cultural spaces as a larger metaphor for the work most American arts institutions still need to do in service of Black storytelling.
This free, virtual first look at in the absence of things will be followed by a conversation with Somi; the director of the film, Mariona Lloreta; and Obie Award-winning Artistic Director of New York City’s National Black Theatre (NBT) Jonathan McCrory to discuss the meaning of the film, the collaborators’ creative process, and the role of Black artists during and beyond COVID-19.
Co-presented by Baryshnikov Arts Center, Krannert Center, and ArtsEmerson, in partnership with National Black Theatre and Salon Africana.
The screening and livestreamed discussion can be viewed on Tuesday, December 1 at 8pm Eastern / 5pm Pacific. The film and recorded conversation will be available to view until Tuesday, December 8 at 5pm Eastern / 2pm Pacific.
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