TO BE HERE

What does it take to be here? And what does it mean to belong right now, in this moment, in this city?

Artists Lynda Grace Black and Magda Martinez and an ensemble of Philadelphians invite you to TO BE HERE, to immerse yourself in this community-rooted performance and exhibition on June 11, 12, and 13.

TO BE HERE uplifts new stories of peoplehood, finding the extraordinary in our everyday lives. These stories of resilience and growth reflect back the complexities and sacrifices inherent in belonging to many homelands and heartlands, tracing lines along a new map that charts what it means to be here now.

TO BE HERE unfolded over many months of gathering, listening, and making through story gatherings. From these encounters, Black and Martinez wove together an art installation of and by the participants — a textured portrait of collective memory and cultural inheritance. The ensembles’ words and stories come to life as they voice their own performances, with direction by Tanaquil Marquez and filmed pieces from Anula Shetty. TO BE HERE reflects a broader, more inclusive vision of being Philadelphian: one that makes space for everyone’s story.

COMMUNITY ENSEMBLE

Anonymous (2)
Aliyah Gardner
Athena Dugan
Barbara Kigozi
Gerard Silva-Torres
M. Nzadi Keita
Mamadou Moussa Balde
Mar8gold
Mariama Korka Diallo
Marie-Monique Marthol
Philip-Paul Grimes
Rochelle T. Cooks

The exhibition will be open at 7 PM on performance evenings, with the performance beginning at 7:30 PM.

TO BE HERE has been supported by the William Penn Foundation, the William M. King Foundation, and PECO, Team Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania Creative Industries as part of the Powering the Arts Initiative. Additional support has been provided in honor of Lynda Grace Black by the Gifts and Leadings Committee of Central Philadelphia Friends Meeting.