Between Archives and Play is a play-based poetry workshop that weaves archival research with fun, generative activities that include musical instruments, reader's theater, and game show style challenges. Participants will explore poetry that extends beyond the gender binary in content and form alongside Black queer archival artifacts to alchemize them through playful embodiment, and approach the page with a malleable and actionable future for our children. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned poet, an educator, or just someone in need of some lighthearted joy, come join us on this bridge between starshine and clay, where reality meets hope and faith meets work.
Facilitator: Amari Amai (he/they) is a Black nonbinary storyteller, poet, playwright, and teaching artist born and raised in Chicago. Amari’s work is rooted in oral tradition and archival resurrection on and off the page, using poetry, folklore, soundscapes, and performance to bend time towards a queer pre-colonial past and decolonized future. Their work has received support and fellowships from Tin House, Chicago Public Libraries, Chicago Poetry Center, City Bureau, Hyde Park Art Center, The Watering Hole, Vermont Studio Center, and Celebration Theater of Los Angeles. In 2026, Amari was honored in the Windy City Times 30 Under 30 LGBTQ+ trailblazers list. As a current resident at Free Street Theater and Elastic Arts Dark Matter Residency, Amari is currently at work on their hybrid collection of works and accompanying live performances.
Gender Fucked Productions requires masks for indoor events such as these. We'll have extras on hand.