The Oreo Complex
Fundraising campaign by
Isaac OuroGnao
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£595.00raised of £1,600.00 goal goal
No more donations are being accepted at this time. Please contact the campaign owner if you would like to discuss further funding opportunities
Campaign Story
My name is Isaac. I am a Hip Hop theatre dancer and multidisciplinary artist.
I am creating a 50 minute long solo show titled The Oreo Complex - using Hip Hop dance theatre and visual art, to address the discriminatory Oreo label (Black on the outside, White on the inside) prevalent in the Black community and diaspora.
I have been given the opportunity to show my work at Rich Mix London.
HELP ME MAKE THIS AS GREAT AS I KNOW IT CAN BE!
ABOUT THE OREO COMPLEX
Do you like Oreos? "Yes! They're nice!" What do you like about them? "The white filling."
Do you like Black people? "Yes! They're nice!" What do you like about them? "The white filling."
Let's talk! Through the Oreo label and 3 Black identity stereotypes (Foreign Fresh African/London Gang Member/Higher Education Graduate) I want to address ways that Black identity is viewed and evolving in the UK. What is being 'white on the inside' and is it used to exclude or accept the Black community? Has discrimination found a fun and tasty disguise in food? Why has this sentiment lasted so long and evolved under new names every generation?
Food has for years and years been a fun way to discriminate (curry, cracker, banana etc). From Coconut, to Bounty chocolate, to Oreo, they all reject Black identity at the core of the modern western Black diaspora & instead place a white culture of sorts ("Caucasian mannerisms" - audience member).
Photo by Foteini Christofilopoulou
WHY SUPPORT ME?
The Oreo Complex is the first major step in developing my artistic voice/identity and it has already made a lot of impact.
"Isaac has a unique way of conveying character through body and a very cerebral, internal way of creating audience engagement." – Carole Edrich
"The artist did a great job bringing aspects we discuss
nowadays amongst our peers regarding race, habits, background and how we adapt
in a society with strong beliefs. The way the work is delivered is very
intelligent, between facts, movement and interaction with the audience" - Mary
Feliciano
"The piece really resonated with me and loved the out-of-the-box approach to the devices used to get the audience to think about the issue from different angles - through the immersive walk-around nature of the piece, characters on and off screen, the museum, the microscopic breakdown, the visual piece on screen, and the direct address and separation of the audience into groups encouraging un/comfortable dialogue to make us think/share. I also liked that there was no 'end' and with the Oreos [offered at the door], we were engaged in the story before walking into the room." – Andre Bright
I want to share somethig new! I'm driven to create Art Exhibition Theatre – visual art brought to life through theatrical tools, & hip hop theatre enhanced by visual art.! And I want to share this work to raise awareness about the impact this label has on Black identity.
I want to make discussing Black identity/culture accessible through using food (a light approach to a heavy topic) & empower audiences to take ownership of their identities rather than it being dictated by others/labels.
FINANCIAL BREAKDOWN
Don't worry, your money isn't going towards a lifetime supply of Oreos!
I was unsuccessful with my Arts Council England funding application. Therefore, the £1600 will only cover artists and collaborators' fees - Production Manager Laurel Cummins, Photographer Carole Edrich, Cinematographer Imoje Aikhoje, and Music Producer Ffion Campbell-Davies. I couldn't deliver this work without them.
YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY WILL GO A LONG WAY!
I am very driven to share an experience universal to Black/Black mixed diaspora across the UK and empower!
Rewards
You can have a big hug AND a shout out on social media!
Thank you! You'll be thanked in person at the show in my hall of fame of supporters!
All the above, AND you get to be a part of my show! You will be someone I interact with that can decide the direction of the show during the show!
All the above, AND a special poem and dance made just for you to be shared on social media!
Organizer
- Isaac OuroGnao
- Campaign Owner
Donors
- Hayleigh Sellors
- Donated on Oct 04, 2018
Was captivated the first time round, I cant wait for the second installment! X
- Teddy Kennedy
- Donated on Sep 28, 2018
You go, girl
No updates for this campaign just yet
Donors & Comments
- Anonymous
- Donated on Oct 05, 2018
Well done Isaac in making this project a reality and for all your efforts.
- Hayleigh Sellors
- Donated on Oct 04, 2018
Was captivated the first time round, I cant wait for the second installment! X
- Teddy Kennedy
- Donated on Sep 28, 2018
You go, girl
- Derek Mok
- Donated on Sep 25, 2018
So happy that this piece is hitting a bigger stage. Seeing you get here has been more than inspirational and I'm excited for what you do in the future.
- Shannelle Fergus
- Donated on Sep 24, 2018
I remember when your involvement in this part of the community were but a dream.. LOOK AT YOU GO! love x
- Michaela Visa
- Donated on Sep 23, 2018
- Kudakwashe Kamupira
- Donated on Sep 22, 2018
I loved what you did first time I saw you at Redbridge and can’t wait to see what you’ll bring. You’re friggin’ talented and just want to see you flourish in everything you do! (SpecialKay)
- Christopher Reyes
- Donated on Sep 21, 2018
good luck, wishing the best for you in this process.
- nevena stojkov
- Donated on Sep 20, 2018
Looking forward to chomping on some more Oreos, and for the show of course! Best of luck x
- Andre Bright
- Donated on Sep 20, 2018
Because I believe in you, bro! See you soon!
Well done Isaac in making this project a reality and for all your efforts.