“I See You”: Storytelling through HOOPS
Watching art shapeshift is one of my favorite things. Sometimes, a poem turns into a book. A short story is adapted into a film. A painting takes on new life and meaning through the lyrics of a song. Most recently, I had the utmost pleasure in witnessing the evolution of HOOPS. Originally a portrait project by multidisciplinary artist, Nicole Acosta, Hoops now has spread its wings and soared as a play at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre.
Eliana Pipes penned the production, pulling from the stories shared by the subjects interviewed and showcased in Acosta’s photography. Milwaukee music artist B~Free composed music for the play. Local fashion icon Kyndal Johnson served as the costume designer. And dawning on the Director hat was Maria Patrice Amon.
I had the honor of being invited by one of my closest friends, Yessica, to see this production on opening night. To make it even more special, Yessica was accompanied by the rest of LUNA, a Milwaukee-based, Latinx art collective. It was actually through LUNA that HOOPS was born, as the series was initially a campaign for an exhibition in which LUNA created works inspired by their own personal experiences centering hoop earrings.
“You guys are gonna make me cry!” Nicole exclaimed when the collective entered the theater. It was a really magical and beautiful reunion, watching all of these artists hug and huddle before witnessing the play. While LUNA had their moment, I purchased a HOOPS t-shirt, excited to switch it out.
When we went to our seats, I was in awe over the backdrop! The backdrop featured a collage of various portraits from the project. Even before the lights dimmed and the introduction was stated, I knew this was going to be a powerful, moving, and memorable experience. With a backdrop featuring so many brilliant, strong, and beautiful people, it was only a testament for what was to come.
Aside from the writing and direction, HOOPS really is successful because of its stars. HOOPS features three performers: Paulina Lule (they/she), Ashley Oviedo (she/her) and Celia Mandela Rivera (she/her). The three came onstage, dancing and singing and posing along to the song, “I Love My Hoops.” The chemistry between the cast was palpable. You could have told me they were childhood friends and I would have believed you!
Once the music fades, we as an audience get to listen in as the three playfully debate about the accessory: Silver or Gold? Real, expensive pair or a cheap set from the hair supply store?
we learn about how this person wears hoops as a way of challenging and reinforcing their personal definition of masculinity.
Mikey of Revolutionary Art and Culture Residency
This opening could not have prepared me for the whirlwind of emotions I was going to experience. The show, a series of skits and monologues, covers a wide range of topics. One skit touches upon the history of hoop earrings while also, nodding to contemporary artists and icons who dawn these accessories. One monologue focused on hoops as LITERAL healing from cancer, another on a daughter saving up to replace her mother’s beloved earrings after they break.
There are two specific sections of the play that especially resonated with me, and for completely different reasons. Paulina embodies one of the characters, a man, which I’m sure was a surprise to some. In this touching and personal monologue, we learn about how this person wears hoops as a way of challenging and reinforcing their personal definition of masculinity. I loved this because A) Paulina did what needed to be done when it came to delivery. They truly transformed into this individual on stage and channeled his story brilliantly. B) It was a nice reminder that hoops are significant to folks of all genders.
One of the skits sits with me too, as it discussed the ways white supremacy and professionalism scars Black and Brown women in workplaces. In this section of the production, the three wear their finest blazers and chat about how they are perceived by the world around them. They talk about the fear of showing up to work as one’s “full self,” and how they don’t want to be seen as anything less because of how they choose to dress in the morning. While I found this skit to be impactful and necessary to the trajectory of the play’s storytelling, I will admit that I was disappointed that the word white or supremacy was never directly stated. It’s heavily implied, of course, but I think this type of discrimination and bigotry out by name is critical. Especially because it would be unfortunate if those being critiqued (white folks and those who abide by respectability politics) don’t recognize the reflection being shown to them.
The production ends at the 80-minute mark and I won’t spoil it for you, because there is still time to check out the play, but I will say: Being a woman who loves hoop earrings, who loves this city, who loves art, the ending was an incredible, intimate, and most importantly, AFFIRMING.
When the lights went up, and the theater magic dispersed, I turned to look at those seated around me. It was so weird, adjusting back to the “real” world after all collectively experiencing something so magnificent. I say it all the time, but this type of collaboration and artistry makes me so proud to be from Milwaukee.
It was an honor to be seen in such a way.
