Succulent explores the tensions, joys, and struggles of navigating the world in a fat Black body. Through her journey, Janeesa experiences the blessing of community and love while fiercely and boldly battling world that routinely dismisses and discount her and her identities. A fresh revelation allows Janeesa to foster growth amongst nature, like minds, and soul ties.
COMMUNITY
a journey from strangers to friends, neighbors and lovers; this is where new connections are born
BLACK LOVE
a love you don't have to explain or qualify. organic and otherworldly.
GARDENING
a medium between ancestors and the living. reciprocated, supportive, nourishing.
FAT LIBERATION
in a world that tells you are not enough, this work fights day and night to let you know you are.
themes
research & resources
Before writing the play, I found it imperative to do research. Although I have lived most of my life in a large body, I did not want my work to contribute to negative stereotypes or tropes that already permeate our media. So, I began to research.
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Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia by Sabrina Strings served a pivot role in my understanding of the history and connection between fatphobia and anti-Blackness, especially related to how media impacts medical perceptions (rather than the other way around).
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Belly of the Beast: The Politics of Anti-Fatness as Anti-Blackness by Da'Shaun L. Harrison helped informed my understanding of the politics of insecurities and the ways gender can inform how bodies are perceived in both their size and race.
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work in progress
This work isn't yet available to the public, but will be making its debut soon. ♡