On Grief At The End Of The World

A Black, Disabled, Queer Ritual For Personal And Global Apocalypse

Authors

  • Kai Hazelwood

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Abstract

Shedding is personal process, an interpersonal practice, and a guide map to societal and structural justice. Guided by the wisdom of creatures who shed their skin, On Grief At The End Of The World is a reflection on a moment of personal apocalypse and a ritual or practice for liberation: A snake doesn’t hesitate when it’s time to shed. She doesn’t try to cling to something uncomfortable but familiar, she doesn’t worry what lies on the other side of shedding, who she’ll be, will others recognize her. She simply sheds because her body knows it is time. 

Author Biography

Kai Hazelwood

Kai Hazelwood (she/her) is a multi award-winning transdisciplinary Disabled, Black, and queer artist, educator, and artistic researcher. She has guest lectured or taught and facilitated at universities and art institutions across the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Kai is the founder and executive artistic director of Good Trouble Makers, a practice driven arts collaborative celebrating queer identities and centering disabled and chronically ill QTBIPOC. Kai and Good Trouble Makers’ collaborations have been covered by 21 media outlets including The Advocate, and have been supported by Arts Omi International Arts Center, The City of Los Angeles’ Cultural Affairs Department, California Institute of Contemporary Arts, Pieter Performance Space, The Speranza Foundation, The California Arts Council and DAS Graduate School.

From her perspective as an embodied researcher and changemaker Kai co-founded and is a lead facilitator of Practice Progress, a consultancy addressing structural, professional, and interpersonal white supremacy through body based learning that serves non and for profit businesses, educational institutions, and individuals including MASSMoCA, Gibney Dance, Ohio State Dance Department, University of Texas, Austin Dance and California Institute of the Arts. Founded in 2019, Practice Progress leads clients and participants toward sustained cultural shift in their institutions, communities, and themselves.

Published

26-02-2025

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 2 (2024): With the Dead: Performance Philosophy, Dying, and Grief

Section

Closing offering

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Kai Hazelwood

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