HMI AND YOUNG VIC TO REUNITE IN LONDON

We’re excited to announce that HMI will be teaming up with artists from London’s Young Vic Theatre for a second consecutive year. After a successful collaboration on the “Communities of Resistance” with the London artists when they visited NYC last year during Pride Month, HMI is headed to London courtesy of HMI partner, United Airlines, in July to join forces again. Our young artists will be participating in the Young Vic Taking Part production, Sundown Kiki Reloaded, that runs July 31 through August 11 at the The Maria at the Young Vic Theatre in London.

Led by Creative Director Jay Jay Revlon, UK Father of House of Revlon and pioneer of the London Ballroom Scene, and award-winning Director Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, Sundown Kiki Reloaded merges the worlds of voguing and theatre. The acclaimed show is created with and performed by Queer Black and Brown artists.

Artists representing HMI include youth from both House Ballroom and Kiki Scene—Alaska Old Navy, Cotton Juicy Couture, Evie Birkin, Kai Mulan, Mateo Juicy Couture, Nekia Versace, and Silk 007. Accompanying them will be HMI staffers and Kiki Scene notables Jermaine Ellis, Jonovia Chase, Kemar Jewel and Julien Perkins. The event will be livestreamed on Thursday, August 10th at 7:45 pm BST / 2:45 pm EST. Tickets for the livestream are available for purchase on the Young Vic website.

HMI Director, Community Engagement & Program Operations, Jermaine Ellis said, “We’re excited to be partnering with the Young Vic artists again for the second year. We’ve been working closely with them for the past seven months to plan and coordinate for this production, and our youth have been preparing and rehearsing for their big moment in front of a London audience. Energy levels are high and we’re very much looking forward to showcasing our talent.”

Director of Taking Part, Shereen Jasmin Phillips added, “Following the success of Communities of Resistance in 2022, we are thrilled to be working with HMI again this year. HMI being a part of the evolution of Sundown Kiki Reloaded is an exciting next chapter for our local young people to connect with those across the pond. This partnership reflects the beauty of collaboration and creativity, creating innovative artistic experiences. HMI welcomed us into their home last year and made us feel like family. This year we are excited to welcome them into the Young Vic and make history and create epic memories! Our hope is that this partnership will have a long-lasting impact within the international theatre and ballroom scene.”