Karim Barrett 23F Explores Queer Identity Through Theater and Afrofuturism

The play is a bold, immersive performance centering on themes of religion, queerness, community, and liberation. Drawing from Afrofuturist thought and personal experience, Barrett collaborated with fellow BIPOC students to bring the project to life. We spoke with them about their work, creative inspirations, and advice for future Hampshire students.

What drew you to Hampshire?

After researching one of my most considerable muses-in-training, Lupita Nyong’o 03F, I learned she attended Hampshire. Acting and theater have been lifelong passions of mine, and I’m still trying to understand and evolve with all their complexities, so essentially her craftsmanship of excellence — her sport for the profession — is what drove me to this place.

I further learned that Hampshire is one of the very few colleges that offer programs that cater to nontraditional students like me. Hampshire calls out for the alternative scholarly liberal artist, one who doesn’t willingly get in the box but instead unravels all there is to this box, unboxing our limitations.

Tell us about your Division III.

It’s a culmination of my Afrofuturistic ideas, artistries, and writing. Being able to pursue independent studies at Hampshire is what motivated me to invest my time in a bigger community project that would require collaboration with other artists. I left Jamaica almost a decade ago because of the toxic homophobic culture, which endangered me. I needed to ensure that there was some way of telling that story in hopes of a more accepting Jamaica, and a more accepting world. I said to myself, why not write a play?

I wrote Heaven’s Door based on experiences of religious conflicts overlapping with conservative views, exploring situational ironies of life. This show depicts the way I considered heaven in the friends or community I engage with — our conversations or laughter at games night, going dancing or clubbing together, the poetry we share. It’s an experimental performance art piece, and in varying ways deeply thought-provoking. It’s a critique of institutions that instill this fear of hell while also being the cause of others’ internal hell, for instance witnessing homophobia in a Catholic high school or being compromised by inhumane laws that tried to legislate one’s body.

This was the experience of a lifetime, as I not only wrote this play, but also produced and performed in it with other talented BIPOC artists. These are peers and students who found a genuine experience of community in safety with each other. It was a heavenly experience, and one I owe much gratitude. I love theatrical pieces that are more immersive and intimate, where the audience is part of the script. And so I played with bubbles, dry ice smoke, texturized and glamorous costumes and set pieces, and unconventional poetry.

Hampshire calls out for the alternative scholarly liberal artist, one who doesn’t willingly get in the box but instead unravels all there is to this box, unboxing our limitations.

Were there any mentors or community members who supported you along the way?

Assistant Professor of Theater Jonathan Dent is a highly spiritual being and understands the needs of students who live to take creative risks. Alex from the Dining Commons is a talented comedian and actress who’s coming to Hampshire this fall as a student. Director for Community Advocacy Latoyya Pleasant, who runs the Cultural Center, does a lot for the community.

What’s next for you after Hampshire?

I want to continue doing the work as a scholar. We’re in a struggle with anti-intellectual movements in this country, and I have to amplify my activist voice. I’m not sure where I’ll land once I’ve thrown out my cards to all options, but I do hope to eventually undertake an M.F.A.

Advice for students considering Hampshire?

Don’t be sidetracked by the noise. There are moments when the College will undoubtedly be messy. At times you’ll need to challenge administration or your peers to do better. There’ll be days when you feel frustrated or unsure of what’s happening — I say: Breathe. This campus sits on beautiful woody terrain. Take a walk in the woods or go have a chat with the sheep or the cows at the Farm. Rediscover your childlike curiosity while also allowing yourself the grace to grow into your being. Research and see if any of the other Five Colleges have courses or programs that could fulfill your needs. This is a place where judgment for the other is a no-no — it’s okay to be weird, quirky, strange, or curious.

Photos by Phoebe Chen 22F