My Body My Home

MY BODY MY HOME began as a five-week intensive workshop hosted at the Minneapolis Central Library and the Hennepin Center for the Arts. Acclaimed Venezuelan-American choreographer Lelis Brito worked alongside participants who have experienced homelessness to translate their lived realities into movement. Together, they developed physical vignettes that capture the everyday gestures, routines, and expressions people use to manage emotions and carve out a sense of safety.

These movement vignettes were first shared with the public during a work-in-progress "Shareformance" in August at Minneapolis Central Library, and then filmed at nine downtown Minneapolis sites, specifically chosen by participants as locations where unhoused individuals often seek refuge or spend significant time. The resulting film is a visceral exploration of what it means to feel "at home"—or distinctly out of place—within one's own body. The film includes videography by Gloria Collyard, and an original score composed collaboratively by Carlisle Evans Peck and Lelis Brito.

Upcoming Events

Film Screening and Reception:

  • Date: November 13, 2026

  • Location: Outside the Cowles Center and Lobby, 516 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

  • Admission: Free and open to all. Registration is encouraged but not required.

  • Schedule:

    • 5:00–5:30 PM | Film Screening & Poetry: Gather in the parking lot on the north side of the Cowles Center for a line dance led by Marcia Barnes to kick off the event. The premiere of the 10-minute MY BODY MY HOME film will be projected on the Cowles Center facade, accompanied by a brief introduction by Lelis Brito and poetry readings by participants. Free popcorn and hot cocoa will be served. Seating is limited; bring an umbrella in case of light rain.

    • 5:30–7:00 PM | Reception & Activities: Following the outdoor programming, join us in the Cowles Center lobby for light refreshments, celebration, and games led by choreographer Lelis Brito.

  • Additional Information:

    • Donations: Free-will donations are welcome and support zAmya to continue offering art in service of housing justice. Donations can be made at the event or online at zamyatheater.org/donate.

    • Content Advisory: This event is open to all ages, but parental discretion is advised; the poetry readings include references to drugs, mental health challenges, and other sensitive topics.

    • Gift Cards: At the reception following the film, $10 gift cards will be available to attendees with lived experience of homelessness, while supplies last.

REGISTER HERE!

An indoor screening of the MY BODY MY HOME film will also take place at the Minneapolis Central Library during zAmya’s Fall Shareformance on December 10 at 6pm. More details coming soon.

About Lelis Brito
Lelis Brito is a Venezuelan-American theater director, choreographer, educator, performer, writer, and director of the Center for Moving Cultures (CMC). Through the CMC, Brito advocates for tactile and kinesthetic knowledge in education and cultural transmission. Brito has created over 80 original works, ranging from solo dances to multi-hour movement-theater productions, collaborating with local and national companies. Brito’s 2025–2026 collaborators include Alondra Alamilla, Malia Burkhart, Carlisle Evans-Peck, and Masanari Kawahara. Learn more at lelisbrito.com.

Thank you to our funder!

This activity is made possible by the Bridge Fund for Dance program through the City of Minneapolis Arts & Cultural Affairs Department.