Nathan Nonhof Shines in Black Séance Creatively Taking Audiences Through Unknown Perspectives

Currently Playing as part of the Without Walls Festival in Liberty Station

A Blog View by Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti

I have to say these days at the WoW Festival in the Arts District at Liberty Station have been filled with creativity, people who love the arts, and moving surprises. Richard Allen is responsible for one of those surprises with this piece Black Séance which he wrote and directs. Audiences go to a check-in table to then be escorted to a back alley where a host will greet and take them to their table with a tarot card. Inside, there is a beautifully crafted bar space with speakeasy bars. People are enjoying drinks and mingling at tables of four, couches, and other gathering areas.

Francis the bartender (Nathan Nonhof) starts off the night with a couple of magic treats while channeling the spirits of Black historic figures like Frederick Douglass, Josephine Baker, and Malcolm X. Nonhof carries the weight of the whole 90 minute and change show by using simple props like an umbrella, a scarf, and glasses. Accompanied by Ahmed on the piano, Nathan impressively sings, dances, raps, and interprets. There is a point where he leans down and extends his arms recreating Alvin Ailey's signature frame, just iconic. There is also the channeling of a slave who takes audiences through this traumatic yet empowering journey of reclaiming one's self. This man did not have his freedom but he was an amazing cook and through that artform he reclaimed himself.

Black Séance is interactive, entertaining, and encourages people to mingle. What better way to do so than with drinks and good entertainment. The first round is on the house. A second and even third round will follow at 10 dollars a drink that can be paid in cash or Venmo. Blindspot Collective definitely created a winner with this original piece that also brings out the history receipts and shares a list of just a few iconic Black people that have changed the world.

There are still three performances left. Today at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 pm and 5:30 pm.

For more information click here.