Rashid Johnson: Stage Performances

Throughout the run of the special exhibition Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers, Stage, 2026, a site-specific artwork located in front of the Modern’s auditorium will host both programmed performances and spontaneous activations. Some films and performances as part of Stage are held inside the Modern's auditorium.

Stage is a testament to Johnson’s commitment to creating space for others. More than an invitation to engage and interact, the work fosters artistic endeavors and creativity as a collective experience.  

Native Son
Directed by Rashid Johnson, 2019. As part of Stage Events, Exhibition Film Series, and Don't Lose Poetry Series
Wednesday, March 11 at 6:30 pm
Free Admission

German Soul
Sunday, March 22 at 2 pm

It's Your Song to Sing
Audra Scott
Wednesday, April 15 at 6:30 pm

Voices 2 Youth Poetry Slam 
Saturday, April 25 at 1 pm
Free Admission

Thank You Darlin’ Foundation, Voices 2 Youth Poetry Slam Living the Dream poetry slam encourages this group of young artists to present their own original poetry. 

Echoes of Urgencies 
Friday, May 22 at 2 pm
Free Admission

Sound artist and researcher Ivana Dama presents Echoes of Urgencies, a live performance built around the raw acoustic force of rotating siren disks, mechanical instruments that generate sound through rapid fluctuations in air pressure. As perforated disks spin at high speed and pressurized air moves through their rotating holes, alternating intervals of airflow and obstruction produce sounds reminiscent of an emergency siren.  

Improv for Deep Thinkers
Friday, May 22 at 6 pm

Figures in Air 
Saturday, May 23 at 3 pm
Free Admission

Ivana Dama presents Figures in Air, a performance that transforms invisible gestures into sound. Using analog synthesizers, Dama creates an atmospheric and ambient soundscape shaped by custom-made capacitive sensors. Sensitive to proximity and subtle movement, these instruments allow her to activate sound by appearing to touch nothing at all, composing in space, as if shaping air itself. 

A Poem for Deep Thinkers Open Mic hosted by Black Ceasar 
Saturday, May 23 at noon 
Thursday, June 11 at 7 pm 
Free Admission

Join us for an open mic night inviting community voices to share work that reflects creativity and bold expression. 

Sounds Modern: Music for Deep Thinkers
Saturday, May 30 at 2 pm
Free Admission

LA Rebellion Film Movement Short Films
As part of Stage Events, Exhibition Film Series, and Don't Lose Poetry Series
Saturday, June 27 at noon
Free Admission