Artist Profile: T. S. Banks
Photo credit: Hedi LaMarr
(Image description: T is outside spitting a Poem at his Uncle Gaddi's Homegoing service. T is in a pink, cream and tan hoodie, there are two mics positioned at his mouth. His locs are gold at the tips, krinkled and tied into a bun. A huge tree is in the background.)
T. S. Banks (he/him) is a Black & QTDisabled, non-binary teaching artist, poet and playwright from Madison. He is the Founder of Loud ‘N UnChained Theater Company. His work addresses visioning for Black Liberation; a critique of the medical system; radical care and access; madness; QT Liberation; disability justice and abolition.
1) How do you continue to grow as an artist? Is it more of an organic or intentional process?
For me, it’s both organic and intentional. I take in a lot of media—from podcasts to reality tv—and those mediums always spark my pen. I also made a promise to myself to read all the books from local Black artists. Being able to take in the art from Black peers keeps me hungry to create as well as sharpens me. I am humbled to be in a city with so many gifted Black, queer and disabled artists.
2) Do any of the following words accurately reflect past (or present) themes explored in your choreographic work: 'reframe,' 'reimagine' or 'release'?
‘Release’ and ‘Reframe’ ring true for me. Releasing my chapbooks has been a cathartic healing process. But I am leaning into this idea of reframe. Especially in my latest chapbook “SPLIT.” I wanted to rewrite the harmful religious doctrines that said my queer, gender expansive and disabled self is not worthy of community. Or (insinuated) something is “wrong with me.” Instead I reclaim my own divinity by asking my queer and gender expansive siblings to do the same. Declaring “Trans folx are Divine.” I am forever grateful for J Mase III and Lady Dane Figueroa Edidi for their anthology “The Black Trans Prayer Book.”
Photo credit: Andy Quint
(Image description: T. in his powerchair, a blue hoodie and his fist raised. There is a table in front of him with a Trans Pride Flag as the table cover. On top of the table lay all 4 titles published by Loud 'N UnChained Publishing House. Behind him is a projector showing the title of his writing workshop at Pinney Library. Slide reads "LNU Writing Workshop. Theme: Split: Love + Madness. By T. S. Banks (He/Him/His).”)
3) Explain one or two creative goals you had set for yourself this year. Did you accomplish them?
I wanted to re-start my open mic and writing workshop series that features Black LGBTQ and/or Disabled Artists. I was able to accomplish this goal with the help of The Ripple Project. It has included four sets of open mics and workshops so far this year. LNU’s last couplet of events through this community initiative is Friday, February 17, 2023 at Pinney Library. It will be a Black & Queer + Disabled Artists Showcase. The LNU Showcase will also have a mini market featuring the artists as vendors.
In addition, I self-published my third chapbook “SPLIT” while also establishing Loud ‘N UnChained Publishing House via the publishing of my great friend and ‘all options’ doula Lexy Linez’s debut chapbook “The End of Abandon”. Both titles are available online.
4) Share 2-3 artists you wish people were more aware of.
Sean Avery Medlin, Author and Playwright. Definitely check out their book “808’s & Otherworlds: Memories, Remixes, and Mythologies.”
Warrior-Priestess Alikz whose debut book is forthcoming from my publishing house.
Charles Edward Payne, Author and Playwright. Reading his chapbook “Love, Payne, Hate and Adversity” should be in your ‘to-be-read’ pile too.
(*T's chapbooks "Call Me ill" , "Left" & "SPLIT" and upcoming events can all be found at LnuTheaterCo.com.)