Symbolizing the empowerment of Black queer individuals as authors of their own narratives, Bard African Night explores the concept of “bard” in two ways: the way many Nigerian Americans adapt their West African accents by incorporating rhotic Rs to make bad into bard, and the modern Shakespearean notion of the Bard.
The evening includes a live excerpt from Bad Africans, a play written and performed by Ibimina Dominique Thompson, followed by a screening of their short film Love is Like. The evening concludes with an artist talkback with Dominique and co-collaborators Ashe Jaafaru and Mariah Hanson.
Film and Performance Info
Bad Africans follows a young African influencer whose need to go home collides with being unable to go back. We follow them through memories to answer: What is the guide for an African in a white world? What is the role of the Black influencer?
Love is Like is a black-and-white film in Congolese-French that explores Afrocentric self-love through a contemporary, queer lens in a dream-like world. Directed by Ibimina Dominique Thompson.
This program is part of Free Thursday Nights. Admission is free from 5 to 9 pm, and special programming takes place throughout the museum.
Bio
Ibimina Dominique Thompson is a multi-hyphenate artist based in the Midwest and New York. They create work that centers Black transness and looks to remove a fictional veil of Maya created by whiteness on art. They were recently recognized among “theater workers to watch” by American Theater magazine.
Content and Accessibility Notes
This program will have ASL interpretation. Showcase may include mature themes.
For more information about accessibility, visit our Access page.
For questions on accessibility or to request additional accommodations, call 612-375-7564 or email access@walkerart.org.
Before Your Visit
Paid underground parking is available on-site. Enter the ramp on Vineland Place at Bryant Avenue. Biking or taking Metro Transit? Learn more.
Visiting the galleries? Enhance your experience by joining a public tour or with self-guided resources accessible for free on Bloomberg Connects.
Personal photography is permitted throughout the Walker and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, but please turn off the flash when visiting the galleries.
To help us promote future events and programs, this event may be photographed or recorded. By attending, you consent to appear in this documentation and its future use by the museum. Please let staff know upon arrival if you prefer not to be photographed.
