HOW TO CULTURALLY HYBRIDIZE? In conversation with Chinasa Ezugha

Originally published as part of Performing Ethos: International Journal of Ethics in Theatre & Performance - Volume 15, Issue 2, 2025.

CHAPTERS

 00:00:00 Introduction

00:02:01 On Hybrid Identities

00:07:47 On Colonial Power Structures

00:15:54 On Migration of Women

00:27:23 On Intersectional Feminism

00:38:13 On Hybrid Language as Resistance

00:47:27 On Absent Narratives

00:55:50 On Inclusivity and Labour

01:12:26 On the Politics of Food

01:21:42 On Performance Art as An Existential Practice

How to culturally hybridize? is a conversation from the momentum series that took place in April 2025 at NYU Abu Dhabi between artist and writer Andrea Pagnes and artist and researcher Chinasa Ezugha. They meet to discuss questions about the complexly layered identities among Igbo, Nigerian and British cultures, as well as the colonial power structures that underpin them. They speak openly about sensitive topics that touch upon the struggles and effects of racism, female migrants, intersectional feminism, language as resistance, faith-based action and abuse within communities. They share experiences of discrimination and gatekeeping of opportunities related to inclusivity and labour, and introduce Chinasa’s ongoing research, which focuses on food as a form of warfare. They conclude by envisioning performance art as an existential practice capable of provoking reflection and action.

Chinasa Ezugha is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Exeter, an assistant arts professor of live art, art as social practice at New York University Abu Dhabi, and a former director of the UK Live Art Development Agency. Her interdisciplinary practice encompasses live art, film and drawing.

Welcome to the momentum of 9 April 2025.