The Church, Guild Hall, and Works & Process at the Guggenheim continue LaunchPAD “Process as Destination” pilot, adding partner Sag Harbor Cinema, collaborating to nurture region-wide support for creative process and encourage artists and audiences to embrace the artistic process as destination.
Introducing the East End to the underground LGBTQ Ballroom culture that started in the 1970s as a safe haven for black and brown young people, from January 3 through 14, HBO Max’s “Legendary” season 2 star Omari Wiles and his company Les Ballet Afrik will be in residence at The Church in Sag Harbor.
The company will develop its Works & Process dance commission “New York Is Burning,” set to premiere at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in fall 2022. During the Les Ballet Afrik’s LaunchPAD residency, to foster greater understanding for the artistic process and Ballroom culture, the public is invited to attend community events co-organized by The Church, Guild Hall, Sag Harbor Cinema, and Works & Process designed to promote appreciation for artistic process.
Commissioned before the pandemic, “New York Is Burning” was to honor the 30th anniversary of the of the 1990 documentary “Paris Is Burning,” which received critical acclaim for its depiction of New York’s LGBTQ Ballroom scene and of voguing as a powerful expression of personal pride in the face of racism, homophobia, and the stigma of the AIDS crisis.
Works & Process LaunchPAD “Process as Destination” programs consists of fully-funded residencies across the Hudson Valley and Long Island. In this iteration, The Church will provide devoted rehearsal space and living accommodations space in its historic building. Works & Process will provide living wage artists fees, transportation, and healthcare insurance coverage. In partnership with Guild Hall, community events are organized for the public and younger local artists to interact with these extraordinary groups. In anticipation of their theater renovation, Guild Hall is partnering organizations to produce off-site programs.
The Ballroom documentary “Paris Is Burning,” with an introduction by Omari Wiles, will screen Thursday, January 6, at 7 PM at Sag Harbor Cinema.
Les Ballet Afrik will hold an open rehearsal on Saturday, January 8, from 11 AM to 3 PM. The public is invited to observe at The Church.
A Vogue dance class for teens will be held on Wednesday, January 12, from 3:30 to 4:30 PM. For more information email Anthony Madonna (amadonna@guildhall.org).
A “New York Is Burning” public show & tell will take place Thursday, January 13, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. The public is invited and tickets are $10. Visit www.thechurchsagharbor.org.