A documentary on the past, present, and future of voguing.
“Assembly” directed by Johnny Symons and Rashaad Newsome.
“Assembly” is a powerful celebration of Black and queer culture, brought to life through the electrifying language of voguing. In this ambitious exhibition, Rashaad Newsome traces a path through memory, history, and movement, connecting the intimacy of his Louisiana childhood to the global influence of ballroom culture.
Presented at New York’s Park Avenue Armory, “Assembly” unfolds as a living, breathing world that blends sculpture, immersive performance, video installation, and a towering nonbinary AI presence. Together, these elements challenge conventional boundaries between technology, identity, and embodiment while centering the experiences and creativity of Black and queer communities.
As dancers rehearse, programmers code, and performers push the limits of expression, the world beyond the exhibition begins to shift. Pandemic disruptions threaten progress at every turn, forcing the team to adapt, reinvent, and persevere. In the face of uncertainty, the creative process becomes more than artistic production—it becomes an act of resistance, survival, and liberation.
Through “Assembly,” Newsome not only honors the artists and communities that shaped ballroom culture but also amplifies their voices, celebrating their enduring influence while imagining bold new possibilities for the future.
