June 22 4:00 pm
Color Me (Curly): Detangled Stories is a multidisciplinary performance that explores the complex cultural, emotional, and political landscape of Black hair. Rooted in storytelling, this original work amplifies various narratives through a fusion of movement, voice, and sound—creating an intimate and powerful reflection on Black identity.
Detangled Stories centers the lived experiences that surround hair care, styling, and self-expression. From joyful childhood memories of beads and braids to the resilience behind protective styles, this work honors the richness of Black hair culture while challenging the systems that have historically tried to suppress it.
Throughout the performance, audiences will journey through themes of self-love, communal acceptance, and personal transformation. The work also confronts deeper issues such as texturism, elitism, and discrimination within and outside of the Black community—raising questions about beauty standards, professionalism, and belonging.
This new work invites audiences to witness Black hair not just as style or trend, but as a profound and ongoing act of survival, joy, and self-definition.
Tales of Black hair, history, and healing.
Ages: All Ages
Run Time: 1 hour
Anastasia Johnson is the founder of A.J. Collabs, a movement-based company that uses education, community engagement, and performance to shed light on the Black experience. Through themes of Black love, Black girl magic, Black church, Black artistry, Black joy, and Black oppression, Johnson’s work aims to spark meaningful conversations and celebrate cultural identity.
During the residency process, Johnson would like to investigate and expand collective consciousness about the histories, complexities, tales, and healing practices surrounding Black hair. This project is a continuation of Johnson’s trilogy of works called, “Color Me (__)”.