Phoenix
November 15, 2024
Presented by CultureHub LA
Phoenix follows the cyclical life of a mythical firebird and her dialogues with Oya, the Yoruba goddess of storms and rebirth. Building on questions regarding rest, cosmic rhythms, and the divine feminine, this solo dance performance by CultureHub Resident Artist Cayla Mae Simpson presents new mythologies about menstruation and reproductive care. An embodied ritual that honors menstruating people by exploring the womb beyond its reproductive function, Phoenix charts a path toward Indigenous understandings of the human body and its natural cadences.
Phoenix shared Simpson's experimental approach to composing a goddess character, manifesting her form in interactive video, light, and sound. Simpson's solo dance, video performance, and guided movement exploration was followed by an open discussion.
Watch Phoenix Livestream here
Phoenix was developed in the CultureHub Residency Program.