‘Scalped’, The Politics of Black Womens’ Hair
The politics of black women’s’ hair is a taboo subject for both black women themselves and their counterparts including black men. ‘SCALPED’ is an outdoor dance theatre exhibition piece from Initiative.dkf (Damilola D.K Fashola and Wofai), which seeks to address the controversies of black women’s’ hair. The exhibition taking place at London’s Greenwich + Docklands International Festival this Friday, June 21,
made its acclaimed debut at Brighton Festival last month and will be heading to the Stockton International Riverside Festival in August.
Almost every black women you meet will have an unpleasant story to tell about their hair journey. From people petting your hair, the questioning, the looks, and the commentary. ‘Scalped’ explores the objectification of black women’s hair through the eyes of western society.
‘Scalped’ is “an idea that women can connect with. The feeling that you have to attach something for beauty; natural is not enough. For us, it goes beyond this. Attach whatever you want to your hair, or rock it natural. Love yourself – don’t be afraid to explore with attachments, but don’t get lost in it either. You are not the attachment”, D.K Fashola says.
It is unfortunate that one’s appearance, specifically black women’s’, should have to be discussed, justified and defended but it is the world we live in. Politics as usual…
Greenwich + Docklands International Festival – (FREE TO ATTEND)
