The Body as Archive: Dance as a Tool for Diasporic Consciousness, Black Mobility and Afrofutures

Abstract

This thesis investigates the role of dance and immersive theatre as powerful tools for influencing the internalization and integration of psychology within socio-cultural identities, specifically for Black women across the African Diaspora. Where Black women’s narratives are either marginalized or sensationalized in dominant white societies, this project aims to amplify and expand existing efforts of telling stories that honor the complexities of Black womanhood. Rather than framing Black women as passive recipients of historical narratives, this thesis seeks to create a theory and praxis that reinforces their agency and resilience. By utilizing methods outside traditional academic frameworks, the research explores how dance and theatre can facilitate deeper connections to personal identity and a collective memory, allowing for a fuller representation of experiences that transcend historical trauma without resorting to violence or escapism. Employing qualitative methodologies, including auto-ethnography and process-based production, the research engages Black women in co-creating narratives that reflect their realities and aspirations. This approach acknowledges the inherent potential of dance and theatre to permeate the lines between perceived realities, fostering an environment where alternative forms of knowledge and storytelling can flourish. The significance of this research lies in its capacity to extend dominant narratives and contribute to an understanding of socio-cultural identities through dance beyond – yet not excluding – performance. By illuminating the interplay between art and identity, this thesis aims to empower Black women’s bodily voices and encourage a reimagining of collective identity within the African Diaspora.