a funeral (2024)

Athens, Ohio, April 17, 2024

Choreography and Performance by Maralee Joyner

Maralee often dreamed of shaving their head one day, but was far too sentimental to do so without a proper goodbye. a funeral was created out of Maralee’s curiosities surrounding hair and the memories that it can hold. Performed in April of 2024 in Maralee’s own home, this piece was created to be shared with an intimate audience of friends. An excerpt of this piece was performed in Ohio University’s Inaugural Fringe Festival a few days after.

The piece is comprised of three sections: the last hair dance, the styling, and the shaving. More than anything, Maralee loved to dance with her hair down, letting it act as an extension of the head. The last hair dance was Maralee’s final time engaging in this personal improvisational ritual. During the styling, Maralee invited their friends to style or cut her hair however they pleased. From ponytails and braids to bangs and a bowl cut, Maralee’s last moments with their hair were eventful. While each friend styled Maralee’s hair, she asked them questions about their own hair histories. Conversations flowed about everyone’s worst haircut experiences. The finale was exactly as it is described- the shaving. Maralee did the first few passes with the clippers and then their friends hopped in to achieve a perfectly smooth buzzcut.