jps brings black/water to durham, nc
Image by Fletcher Laws Artist: Mariama Eversley
JPS is delighted to invite you to register for Jupiter Performance Studio's in-person immersion: black/water: to conjure a/new, which will be held in Durham, North Carolina from October 11-16. black/water: to conjure a/new, devised by Ebony Noelle Golden, is a sacred gathering for artists, earth-workers, healers, organizers, and community members. This learning ceremony offers an opportunity to deepen our collective relationship with the natural world through culture, community, and creative ceremony.
We will work collectively with North Carolina-based guest teachers and artists to explore the vital intersection of climate reparations and ritual performance, engaging local communities through workshops, field trips, and a processional performance.
Program Origins and Overview
Designed in 2019 by Ebony Noelle Golden, this program builds upon Golden's ongoing ethnographic research, performance practice, and local environmental justice organizing. black/water: to conjure a/new… builds on previous JPS Lab offerings, emphasizing worlding, wilding, and wandering as essential to creating transformative performance and social justice initiatives with real-world applications.
This year's learning ceremony started in April with a virtual morning ritual, virtual workshops, guest lectures, readings, viewings, and fieldwork. The in-person immersion takes participants to one of Ebony’s favorites cities in the country, Durham, NC. While in Durham, we will engage in the areas thriving cultural and natural beauty. The learning ceremony aims to advance artistic sensibilities related to climate intimacy and sacred stewardship of the super/natural world.
Participants will explore ecowomanist praxis, cultural strategy, and the devising and directing of theatrical ceremonies. The program delves into experimental and emergent methods for devising and directing ritual performance on stage, in public spaces, on land, and in water. Topics covered include theatrical ceremony methodologies, performance and directing theory, womanist spirituality, ritual poetics, and collective approaches to climate intimacy.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is for you whether you are a farmer, a performer, a teacher, or a healer! You do not need previous experience or to be a professional in any field to participate. The most important qualifications are an open mind and a willingness to learn and engage actively.
If you choose to apply to JPS’ in-person immersion, be prepared for a course of study steeped in embodiment. Our programmatic pedagogy activates movement, vocalization, mindfulness, meditation, silence, ritual, and collaborative creative participation. The black/water immersion will take place in nature and in studio space. Be prepared for wading in rivers, foraging for props in the woods, encountering bugs, and actively engaging in a physically demanding experience. You will work. You will sweat. You will be stretched.
Applicants will explore and participate in:
Creative exploration and public scholarship rooted in Black liberation, Black love, Black culture;
Traditional/non-Christian spiritual practices, ritual in the African/Black diasporic tradition,
Ethnographic research; and,
A dynamic communal learning community.
Expectations:
Active Participation: Be prepared to actively participate and contribute to a dynamic learning environment.
Presence: ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE ON CAMERA/IN-PERSON AND FOCUSED DURING SESSIONS. Please do not double-book, cook, drive, be tardy, or be otherwise occupied during our ceremonies.
Self-Regulation: Participants must be prepared to handle their emotional and daily life needs/requirements and be sensitive to the needs of others in our intentional community.
Emerging, established, and advanced femmes, women, and gender-expansive performers, healers, choreographers, directors, organizers, and educators of the global majority are highly encouraged to apply. No previous professional artistic or academic experience is required. All are welcome. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age.
All allies and supporters should donate to Jupiter Performance Studio to support our on-going work.
Important Logistics & Fees
Please note that your payment only covers the cost of tuition. All participants are responsible for their own lodging, food, travel, local transportation, and other personal expenses.
Early Registration (Scholarship Rate):
Due: August 15, 2025
Cost: $500.00
(Note: This is also the deadline for all scholarship applicants to submit payment.)
Open Registration:
Due: August 16 - September 15, 2025
Cost: $750.00
Late Registration:
Due: September 16- October 11, 2025
Cost: $1,000.00
Drop-In Rate:
$250.00 per session
In-Person Immersion: October 11, 2025 - October 16, 2025
Payment Methods
You can submit tuition payments via:
PayPal: ebonynoellegolden@bettysdaughterarts.com
Venmo: @ebonynoellegolden
Zelle: ebonynoellegolden@bettysdaughterarts.com
