Assembly

Co-presented by The Kween Company 
Co-presented by International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation
Co-presented by Guelph Black Heritage Society
Supported by Queer Night Out
Supported by DiverseWorks Co.
Supported by Shyne Body Butter

Date: Nov 8, 2025
Venue: ImprovLab - MacKinnon Building, Room 108, University of Guelph, 87 Trent Lane
Tickets: $15/PWYW
Screening: 7:30PM

A multisensory extravaganza that summons a cast of global performers to transform a historic military facility into a queer, Afro-futurist utopia. Contemporary artist Rashaad Newsome embarks on his most ambitious project yet—a multimedia exhibition and performance at New York’s historic Park Avenue Armory. Once a bastion of white military power, the Armory is transformed into a vibrant celebration of Black and queer culture through video projections, AI holograms, sculptures, collages, music, dance, and African fractal patterns. This reimagining challenges colonial structures while honoring the complexity and resilience of Black experience, turning pain into artistic power.

Rashaad Newsome & Johnny Symons ⋅ USA ⋅ 99 min ⋅ CAPTIONS

Pre-Screening Experience: An immersive event by The Kween Company with a pre-screening queer performance and community Breath Wall for all attendees.

Post Screening Event: Post-film sensory circle for our BIPOC and queer communities.

***PARKING: Please note parking is available in LOT P44 (off of College).

ImprovLab is a 35 minutes walk or bicycle ride (10 minutes) from downtown Guelph. There are also several bus routes (through Guelph Transit, GO, and Megabus) that can help get you to ImprovLab. If you are planning to drive, you can find additional information about visitor parking at the University of Guelph on the University’s Parking Website.