ABOUT YaoKahlil

 

Yao Kahlil received his Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Theatre Performance from the University of Buffalo, where he is currently pursuing a PhD in American Studies (African-American Studies).

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Yao Kahlil is the author of a children's book series "Yao, the GREAT!"  and another series "Daily Mantras and Affirmations" which are both set to release late Spring 2021. He is also authoring a third the book series which is to be released in the Fall of 2021. He has also created a line of Mantra Tees that will complement the book series and will be available through subscription service.

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As a Creator of Content, Yao Kahlil has formed "Backstage With Yao Kahlil" which can be found on all of his social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. He has also created a Private Community on the Patreon platform for subscribers.

 

As an emerging scholar, Yao Kahlil's research draws from the disciplines of Theatre Performance, Transnational Studies and Media Study. With influences such as Artists Kara Walker, Nick Cave and Playwrights Lorraine Hansberry, and August Wilson, his installations strive to explore origin stories and themes of intra-racial experience, transracial experience, and concealed identity in performance. Social experiments are fused into the fabric of his art, and his productions often include a signature makeup application.

 

"With the current state of global pandemic, isolation and quarantine, practitioners of theatre and art are placed in an unprecedented and unique position of relying on technology to reach audiences in ways not previously, thoroughly understood. This is where the creativity of true artists is sharpened, and great new forms of pedagogy and performance are birthed. I hope to be part of that movement."

- YaoKahlil