Painted Bride Art Center

01/22/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/22/2025 08:54

Painted Bride Presents a World Premiere Poetry-Theatre Performance Exploring Queer Black Grief, Shame, And Joy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mary Zhou

Communications & Partnerships Manager

[email protected]

(267) 225-6028

Painted Bride Presents a World Premiere Poetry-Theatre Performance Exploring Queer Black Grief, Shame, And Joy

Philadelphia artist David A. Gaines to perform solo experimental poetry shows from Feb. 14 - Feb. 16 in Northeast Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA (January 21, 2025) - Painted Bride presents "Gabardine," a world premiere experimental poetry performance from multi-disciplinary Philadelphia artist David A. Gaines, on a queer Black artist engaging in inner child healing. Three performances will take place between February 14 - February 16 at Icebox Project Space (1400 N. American St, Philadelphia, PA 19122).

"Gabardine," directed by Brooke O'Harra and created/performed by David A. Gaines, utilizes film projection, immersive sound, and various technologies to subvert audience expectations and explore dimensions of Black grief, shame, and joy. Philadelphia production company Ugly Art Films will provide support with live film projections. Witnesses will be challenged to question their gaze and reimagine possibilities for themselves and our world.

"As a poet who speaks in the languages of cinema, acting and writing, I wanted to unpack my relationship to shame using every craft. What started as an audiovisual poetic experiment born out of curiosity has evolved into a live demonstration of what we all navigate privately. Each of us has a process," shares Gaines.

This project is presented by Painted Bride. Support for this project was provided by The Independence Public Media Foundation; and the Philadelphia's Cultural Treasures initiative, an America's Cultural Treasures regional program in Philadelphia supported by The Barra Foundation, Ford Foundation, Neubauer Family Foundation, The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, William Penn Foundation, and Wyncote Foundation.

For more information and tickets: https://paintedbride.org/events/gabardine/

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About David A. Gaines

David A. Gaines (he/they) is a writer, director, and actor born and based in Philadelphia. His work examines Blackness, masculinity, Christianity and mental health through an intersectional lens. Dave's films have screened at film festivals such as the BlackStar Film Festival, Gary International Black Film Festival, National Black Arts Festival and the International Video Poetry Festival. As an award-winning, nationally touring poetry performer and Poet Laureate of Pennsylvania's Montgomery County, his work has also been featured in several publications including The New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, VICE Media, Button Poetry, among many others. When not writing, performing or orchestrating films, you can find Dave teaching poetry to Philly youth, spending time with nature and attempting a conversion to morning personhood.

About Painted Bride Art Center

Building on a 56-year legacy, the Painted Bride brings together artists, audiences, and communities to push the boundaries of how we create and experience art. It has supported over 25,000 artists, hosted over 5,000 events, commissioned over 100 new works, and facilitated manifold artist and community workshops and educational programs. The Bride cultivates a welcoming environment for critical dialogue and playful exchange to transform lives and communities through art. It is committed to supporting artists from all walks of life and amplifying underrepresented voices to foster diversity and inclusivity. To learn more, visit www.paintedbride.org.