Online Feature

Art with a point-of-view: Rha Goddess hits N4th Theater

by Courtney Bell

If summer is for playing in Albuquerque, fall and winter are for enjoying theater produced independently and as a part of our growing number of arts festivals. One show not to miss this fall is “Low: Part I of the Meditations Trilogy” written and performed by New York City artist and activist Rha Goddess. The performance is part of N4th’s “Out of the Ordinary ’08.” In its third year, the event is described as “a festival of art with a point-of-view.” The art showcased this year includes film, performance, visual art and discussions, and is created by artists with and without disabilities. Rha Goddess became a part of this year’s festival after one of her New York shows left a lasting impression on N4th’s Marketing Director, Susanna Kearny.

“Low,” which debuted in 2006, is a full-length solo show that follows a young woman named Lowquesha as she struggles with mental illness, the mental health system and, as a consequence, homelessness and isolation. The multidisciplinary piece involves poetry, monologues, hip hop rhythms and music. It has been critically acclaimed in cities across the country where it has played to sold-out houses and received standing ovations. “The Cincinnati Inquirer” said, “Rha Goddess’ anger is raw, her honesty palpable, the imagery of her language is rich, the hip hop rhythm … is exactly right.” “Variety” said, “Goddess is a commanding performer and [Low’s] payoff manages to be both surprising and galvanizing.”

The piece goes beyond commentary by asking for change and awareness. Rha Goddess’ work is as much about art as it is about activism. Co-founder of the Sista II Sista Freedom School for Young Women of Color, she was a keynote speaker in 2002 and 2003 at the Women and Power Summit at Omega Institute (with other such notables as Eve Ensler, Anita Hill and Jane Fonda), and in 2000 by “Essence Magazine” was named one of 30 Women to Watch in the new millennium. Additionally, she is collaborating with Dr. Peter Fraenkel, New York City College professor of psychology, to measure the effects of “Low” on the audience regarding the social issue of mental illness. Initial work on this project has shown marked changes in audience response to issues surrounding mental illness.

Rha is the founder and CEO of Divine Dime Entertainment, under which she distributes her music throughout the world. She edited a collection of dialogues and stories titled “We Got Issues – A Young Woman’s Guide to a Bold, Courageous and Empowered Life,” a book about young women and electoral politics which has graced Amazon’s best seller list and was endorsed by Eve Ensler. Stay tuned for what is sure to be more exciting and groundbreaking work from this revolutionary, prolific and influential artist.

“Low: Part I of the Meditations Trilogy,” N4th Theatre, 4904 4th St. NW, Nov. 21-22, 8 p.m., $15 general, $10 students/seniors, 344-4542, vsartsnm.org. This show contains adult themes and language.