Organized as a series of gatherings that explore the sacred roots and interstellar potential of spoken word practices, Stellar Masses upholds the spoken word as at once ancient and futuristic, capable of testifying, time traveling, and spellbinding. The site-specific events will feature writers, musicians, and filmmakers, guiding attendees through a mind-expanding continuum of ritual and performance.
Projects
stellar mass I
FIRMAMENT
Blessing by Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate Husnaa Hashim
The Stellar Mass Choir directed by V. Shayne Frederick
Performance by Sirius Juju
Film shorts by Terence Nance, Frances Bodomo, Johan Grimonprez, and Saya Woolfalk
Moor Mother delivers The Word. Featuring Rasheedah Phillips of Black Quantum Futurism.
stellar mass II
HEAVEN
Benediction by Philadelphia Poet Laureate Raquel Salas Rivera
The Stellar Mass Choir directed by V. Shayne Frederick
Samuel R. Delany and Alexis Pauline Gumbs deliver The Word
Performance by Bethlehem and Sad Patrick
A book signing, with Samuel R. Delany, Alexis Pauline Gumbs, and Raquel Salas Rivera, will follow.
stellar mass III
EARTH
Libation by Ursula Rucker
The Stellar Mass Choir directed by V. Shayne Frederick
Marvin K. White delivers The Word
King Britt presents Fhloston Paradigm
Star show by Madison McFerrin
Film shorts by Renee Cox and Will Haughery & Kris Harzinski
hive revival
A STELLAR MASSES GET-DOWN
Blessing by Marvin K. White
Featuring music by WORLDTOWN
