RSVP here: https://www.queer-art.org/rsvp-to-the-wiz
Streaming links here: https://www.queer-art.org/streaming-links-for-qaf-fall-2020.
THE WIZ
1978. 136 minutes. Directed by Sidney Lumet.
We began our season with Andre DeShields - who originated the role of “The Wiz” on Broadway - presenting Lena Horne’s debut film CABIN IN THE SKY. We come full circle by ending with Horne’s final film - THE WIZ - presented by an emerging artist whose life was forever changed by it. It’s fitting that in this terrible year, when so many of us have longed to be whisked away to a magical land, overthrow an evil despot, and sing and dance with our friends, that we’re gathering to watch a film where the characters do just that. THE WIZ’s remaking of a white Hollywood classic for Black audiences also offers a chance to reflect on this year’s acceleration of the movement for racial justice and conversations surrounding Black representation in media. Guest presenter The Uhuruverse’s fiercely political music, art and activism celebrates Black Trans Lives, and for them seeing the artistry of Black icons like Diana Ross and Quincy Jones was transformative. “I grew up in the projects," they write, "and you don't see that kind of magic there. THE WIZ gave me my imagination, gave me hope, gave me art and gave me life!”
The Uhuruverse on THE WIZ
“THE WIZ! What can I say about the Wiz!? WOW! THE WIZ changed my life forever! And my art! THE WIZ made me believe in myself as Lena Horne sung to the ears of Black angel babies all over the world! THE WIZ gave me all the life in Emerald City as THE WIZ dictated what the color was and the dancers performed the most fabulous, glamorous, style, and fashion and LEWKS that I have ever seen in my LIFE to date! THE WIZ showed me music with icons like Diana Ross! The Wiz changed the game for a Kansas born artist! It SLAYED The Wizard of Oz!I saw A-R-T for the first time! The choreography is unmatched still, the songs are unmatched still, the fashion is unmatched STILL! I love the Tin Man, The Crows, the set designs, everything--it just showed me the power of collective Black art, the magic of Black people, the art of Black people and I've always wanted to be apart of something as great, produce something as great, be someone as great as Quincy Jones! I love Quincy Jones. I can't thank the cast and crew enough and all those artists because I grew up unsheltered, I grew up poor, I grew up in the ghetto, I grew up in the projects and you don't see that kind of magic there so it gave me my imagination gave me hope, gave me art and gave me life!”
The Uhuruverse is a New Orleans based, displaced, Los Angeles PROTEST ARTIST who uses multiple mediums and performance styles to speak against oppression and demand and encourage liberation. As a musician, The Uhuruverse can best be described as experimental. Best known as the electric guitarist for the band Fuck U Pay Us (a four piece Black femme/them punk band demanding land reparations for the African Holocaust and free self defense training for femmes), the artist has also released several experimental solo albums. “The Subconscious Motel,” “Who Killed Kenisha?!” and “Amerikkan Pyscho,” are among a few of their recent projects. Working across, Electronic, Hip Hop, Punk, Funk, Disco, Vogue, Blues, Jazz, J Pop, New Jack Swing, The Uhuruverse work is dynamic and expansive.