Monique Smith-McDowell

IN THE BLACK

How do stereotypes and discrimination affect a being in development? In what ways is your mind’s development influenced by constantly feeling unseen and like an outsider in a Western society? Hidden in the Black, in the Black of skin, in the Black of space and in the Black of time, there is transformation on stage: a dance solo that embodies evolution through innocence and anger to reach a sense of pride. Dance is used to find a personal expression of being Black - in the Black Box of the theatre the audience becomes witness to an empowerment and a loud cry in Black.

_{choreography: Monique Smith-McDowell | dance and co-choreography: Samuel Govindin | audio description: Zwoisy Mears-Clarke | consultation audio description: Naomi Sanfo | music: Mona M.}

Monique Smith-McDowell

is a choreographer, performer and audio describer. She has formal training in contemporary dance and is interested in the role other dance forms can play in the exploration of contemporary dance. In her career she has been grateful to work with The Lion King Hamburg, Cats the musical, Phoenix dance theatre, Richard Alston Dance Company, sticky trace company, Ursina Tossi and Michael Turinsky among others.