#WACO Theater Center #STILL HERE LIVE #Black Women HIV

WACO Theater Center Launches Southern Tour of "STILL HERE LIVE EXPERIENCE"

The WACO (Where Art Can Occur) Theater Center has taken a significant step in highlighting important social issues through the arts by announcing its upcoming southern regional tour of the immersive production, STILL HERE LIVE EXPERIENCE. Scheduled to commence in Baton Rouge, Louisiana from June 3-8, 2026, and followed by performances in Atlanta, Georgia from June 17-21, this groundbreaking project focuses on the experiences of Black women living with HIV/AIDS.

Supported by a grant from Gilead Sciences, Inc., this initiative aims not only to entertain but to provoke critical conversations about a topic that too often remains in the shadows. The production cleverly transforms non-traditional spaces into spaces for dialogue and reflection, centralizing the hair salon as a metaphorical and literal backdrop where connections are formed and cultural exchanges happen.

Conceived by williambryantmiles, an Assistant Professor of Black Performance at Purchase College, alongside producer Nickolas Vaughan, the project seeks to amplify the voices of Black women, who face unique challenges in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The immersive nature of the experience is designed to break down barriers, inviting audiences to engage with storytelling in a visceral, impactful way.

Immersive Installation and Live Performance

STILL HERE LIVE EXPERIENCE consists of two primary components: an interactive installation and a live performance. The installation invites attendees to explore various exhibits integrated into salon fixtures, such as hair dryers and shampoo bowls. These elements feature newly commissioned works by a roster of talent including Ashlei Dabney-Griffin, a renowned Emmy Award–winning producer, visual artist YoYo Lander, and Nikiya Mathis, a Tony Award–winning wig designer.

The accompanying live performance will showcase an ensemble of dynamic artists, including Marinda Anderson, recognized for her role in