Created and produced by Initiative.dkf (Damilola DK Fashola and Wofai), the founders of Melanin Box Festival and creators of Silhouettez Theatre, Scalped is a new outdoor dance theatre piece which explores the objectification of black women’s hair through the eyes of western society.
Sprung from the passive but ever present scrutiny which black women face every day; from the way they walk, to the way they talk, to the way they wear their hair. With a nod to Grace Jones, self-acceptance triumphs through movement and rhythm in a world where the corporate playground meets the fantastic.
With ‘whether permed, braided or in locs, black hair is political’ as its maxim, the ‘Scalped’ dance theatre piece has stemmed from the passive but ever present scrutiny, which black women face every day; from the way they walk, to the way they talk, to the way they do their hair.
As for its music and movement, an emotive mix of various styles/genres frames the piece from contemporary to old skool sounds including Hip Hop, Dancehall, Afrobeats, Vogue. Mirroring the multi-dimensional Black woman and the many different Black women that exist.
Speaking about Scalped, writer DK Fashola says, “It’s an idea which women can connect with. The feeling that you have to attach something for beauty; natural is not enough. For us its goes beyond this. Attach whatever you want to your hair, or rock it natural. Love yourself- don’t be afraid to explore with attachments, but don’t get lost in it either. You are not the attachment”.
Having made its acclaimed debut at Brighton Festival last month, Scalped will be showing at Greenwich + Dockland International Festival this Friday, June 21, at 6PM and 7:30PM, before heading to the Stockton International Riverside Festival on Sunday, August 4, for two daytime showings at 2PM and 4:30PM. Entry to both festivals is free!
Find out more about Scalped at Greenwich + Dockland International Festival here.
#Peace.Love.Scalped
