On the occasion of Edgar Arceneaux’s exhibition Library of Black Lies, the Henry Art Gallery is partnering with LANGSTON for a special screening and panel discussion at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. As a Gurvich visiting artist, Arceneaux will present the film of his play Until, Until, Until… (2015) which investigates the infamous 1981 performance of Broadway legend Ben Vereen, televised nationally as part of Ronald Regan’s inaugural celebration. Intended as an homage to vaudevillian Bert Williams—America’s first mainstream Black entertainer—the final five minutes of the performance were censored for the television audience, causing Vereen’s biting commentary on the history of segregation and racist stereotypes in performance to be lost on viewers at home. Until, Until, Until… is based on the footage that never aired that night. Originally commissioned by Performa New York, the work is a mise-en-scene of the inaugural party, foregrounding the past and illuminating the enduring presence and impact of history in the present. The piece questions the truth of past narratives, and creates an opportunity to reconsider our collective understanding of historic events.

Following the screening, Arceneaux will participate in a panel discussion along with dancer/choreographer Jade Solomon Curtis, director Valerie Curtis-Newton and dancer/creator Randy Ford, to unpack some of the questions and considerations that emerge from the work.

Stick around after the panel for an informal reception, including drink and light food, where audience members will have further opportunity to converse with the panelists and one another.

This program is in conjunction with Edgar Arceneaux's time as a Gurvich Contemporary Art Project visiting artist. During his visit, Arceneaux will engage in a range of programs that expand upon themes found within his installation Library of Black Lies and extend his practice into multiple venues across Seattle.

While ticket sales provide valuable support for Henry programming, we do not want to turn anyone away for lack of funds. A limited number of free tickets are available with pre-registration.

Use your ticket to this event for admission to the Henry to see Edgar Arceneaux's Library of Black Lies before June 2!