Like the famous Gordon Parks photograph did in 1942, Billy Dean Thomas redefines what it means to be American Gothic in 2018. Using elements of silent film and storytelling, Billy Dean showcases unreleased music and video from important, dark periods of their artistic journey through the darker parts of American history. Come dressed in all black and stick around for a killer set by DJ Rilla Force!
@billydeanthomas #BDTAmericanGothic #LiveAtOBERON
Also known as “The Queer B.I.G.”, Billy Dean is a musician who challenges the hip hop game with lyrics that align with #BlackLivesMatter and intersectional feminism. Their musical career began at age eight, playing congas and participating in an advanced poetry/performance program where they were mentored by Pharoahe Monch, Rosie Perez, and DMC. They were booked twice as a spoken word artist for The 24 Hour Plays on Broadway, performed as a part of the We Wanted A Revolution exhibit at The Brooklyn Museum, and were recently selected as the 2017 Resident Artist at Boston’s The Theatre Offensive. Billy Dean has also just completed their debut album titled Rocky Barboa, which was recorded in Berlin, Paris, and New York City.
While the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) encourage audiences to attend Halloween-themed performances in costume, A.R.T. and its venues (Loeb Drama Center and OBERON) reserve the right to confiscate and store any prop weapon or other costume accessory that could be perceived as a hindrance to or could impede a positive audience experience. Any piece that is stored can and will be returned at the conclusion of the performance.
