SHTV: A History of Desire
In collaboration with Mandhla in this lecture performance we investigate the notion of the state-sponsored s3x contract in heteronormative culture. Structured like a song, in “A History of Desire” we use spoken word, our own and other songs to retell a brief history of desire and biopower from a Black trans feminist pov while connecting the dots between Venus Xtravaganza, bell hooks, Zimbabwean s3x workers, Foucault, auction sales in ancient Greece, 90s "S€x Siren" ballroom category, Maroons in the Americas, Samuel R. Delany, Indya Moore, OnlyFans, Eddie Santiago, Donna J. Haraway, Bruce Labruce and Erykah Badu.
Mandhla is a trans-feminine, gender non-comforming body born and raised in Zimbabwe, Africa. She brings a blend of experimental RnB and soul music intertwined with visual projections and performative dancing. Her music speaks of the daily trials that Trans*, enby and femme* immigrant bodies experience daily with love, identity, sex and acceptance.
Commissioned by Creamcake Berlin for 3hd “Power Play” 2021
Credits: SHTV, "A History of Desire", 3hd 2021: Power Play, images by Ink Agop, © Creamcake
