Episode 2: Aejay Antonis Marquis

"My weapon against destructive forces is creative forces." –Aejay Antonis MarquisWe talk about preparing to direct as an embodied practice, facilitating ensemble process, the politics of casting local, creating liberatory spaces for Black and queer bodies, Lorraine Hansberry, The Magnolia Ballet, and much more…@thebodyisthebrainABOUT THE ARTISTAeJay Antonis Marquis (They/Them) is a performance artist, scholar, educator, and activist committed to transforming theatre. A PhD student in Performance Studies at UC Berkeley, their work explores Black and Queer cultural safety, decolonizing theatre, and queer political performance. Formerly the Director of Theatre at Contra Costa School of Performing Arts, AeJay’s Bay Area contributions include directing, choreographing, acting, and dramaturgy. They are directing The Magnolia Ballet at Shotgun Players this summer. AeJay also serves as an Artistic Associate at Marin Shakespeare Company, Artistic Producer at Playwrights Foundation, and Education Program Associate at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. They are also a proud GAAP Fellow.RESOURCES/REFERENCESTicket link to The Magnolia Ballet at Shotgun Players (opens July 2025)Diana Taylor, The Archive and the Repertoire: Performing Cultural Memory in the Americas, Duke University Press (2003)Grassroots Artists Advocacy Program (GAAP)///Are you an artist in need of legal support? A mission-driven organization in need of consulting or capacity-building? Reach out to Movement Law, a law practice dedicated to helping artists, arts organizations, and mission-driven organizations build power and navigate change. Schedule your free 30 minute consultation at ⁠⁠https://www.movementlaw.net/.⁠⁠