STILL HERE LIVE EXPERIENCE Comes to Los Angeles
*The WACO (Where Art Can Occur) Theater Center has announced the STILL HERE LIVE EXPERIENCE, running September 25–28, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Supported by a grant from Gilead Sciences, Inc., the hybrid project combines installation and performance to explore Black women’s lived experiences with HIV/AIDS.
“Storytelling is an important piece of our legacy at WACO,” said Shay Wafer, Executive Director. “This live experience is a unique approach to shedding light on the real stories of Black women impacted by HIV.”
A Two-Part Experience: Installation and Performance
The creative project, conceived by williambryantmiles and Nickolas Vaughan, transforms a working salon into a hub for art, dialogue, and healing. Guests will experience two interconnected components:
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- The Installation (Free): Art exhibits staged within hair dryers and shampoo bowls feature works by Emmy Award–winning producer Ashlei Dabney-Griffin, visual artist YoYo Lander, and Tony Award–winning wig designer Nikiya Mathis.
- The Performance (Ticketed): A one-hour immersive show starring Marinda Anderson, Neverending Nina, Milan Reneau, Jude Tibeau, and Akilah A. Walker. Movement direction is by Roxi Victorian, with costumes by Ceci and technical design by Luna Lux.
Why This Project Matters
Black women remain disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. CDC data from 2023 shows they represented 50% of new HIV diagnoses while making up just 13% of the U.S. female population.
They are diagnosed at 11 times the rate of white women, highlighting an urgent health disparity.
“Still Here hits close to home for me,” said Tina Knowles, WACO’s Artistic Director and Co-Founder. “My nephew Johnny—my favorite person in the world—passed away from this disease. That knowledge fuels my commitment to this work.”
By the Numbers: HIV and Black Women
50% — Share of new HIV diagnoses among women in 2023 who were Black
13% — Percentage of U.S. female population that is Black
11x — Black women are diagnosed with HIV at 11 times the rate of white women
2028 Goal — End youth and women’s HIV disparities through expanded outreach and treatment access
Top Barriers: Stigma, healthcare access, and systemic inequality remain the largest hurdles
Event Schedule & Tickets
The STILL HERE LIVE EXPERIENCE takes place at DreamGirls Salon, 5441 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230.
- Installation (Free): Thursday 10 AM–4 PM, Friday–Sunday 10 AM–12 PM
- Performance (Ticketed, $15, ~1 hour): Thursday 5 PM & 8 PM; Friday–Sunday 1 PM, 4 PM & 8 PM
- Post-Show Wind-Down: Following 8 PM performances, a 45-minute discussion with the creative team moderated by Nahid Ebrahimi.
Tickets are available at wacotheatercenter.com/stillhere.
About WACO Theater Center
WACO Theater Center is a Los Angeles nonprofit dedicated to empowering artists and audiences by showcasing stories rooted in the African diaspora. Through performance, mentorship, and education, WACO nurtures creativity while fostering cross-community dialogue. Beginning in 2026, WACO will co-manage the historic Vision Theatre Performing Arts Center in Leimert Park Village in partnership with the City of Los Angeles.
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