The Breakdown Odyssey by Ms. Boogie

Ms. Boogie, a Black trans artist, performs on stage against a dark background. She wears a pair of silk hot pants and a white dress shirt with an untied black bowtie around her neck. She looks to the side, reaching out to the audience out of frame. — Ms. Boogie, *The Breakdown Odyssey by Ms. Boogie*, 2024, performed at The Shed, September 14, 2024. Photo: Tori Mumtaz.

Ms. Boogie, a Black trans artist, walks on stage lit in dramatic, shadowy red light. She is mid stride as she speaks. She has long wavy black hair and wears black sunglasses and knee high boots. — Ms. Boogie, *The Breakdown Odyssey by Ms. Boogie*, 2024, performed at The Shed, September 14, 2024. Photo: Tori Mumtaz.

About this commission

The Breakdown Odyssey by Ms. Boogie showcases the debut album by the New York–based rapper, addressing the exclusion of Black trans women in hip hop culture and the wider world. This show brings the album’s stories to life through sound and body movement. Ms. Boogie explores each song with her dance and vocals, guided by a suspenseful and cosmic sequence of automated sounds by Minneapolis-based producer M. Jamison. With a blend of nostalgic, classic rap instrumentals and modern essences, Ms. Boogie opens a portal to deliver explicit, raw, boastful lyricism traditional to the genre, except this time with bodies and voices like hers at the forefront.

Creative Team

Ms. Boogie

Ms. Boogie, an independent artist raised in Brooklyn, New York, with Colombian and Dominican roots, is reshaping dialogues within the realm of hip hop by contributing her lived experiences as a Fem Queen (a Black trans woman). This representation was previously, and still is, lacking within the genre. The New York Times describes her work as “Performing and Living Fem Queen Joy.” After eight years under a previous moniker, Ms. Boogie has released her latest album, The Breakdown. This project, a collaboration with Black, queer creatives, blends elements of hip hop and R&B. Throughout the album’s nine tracks, she shares her personal journey while addressing broader themes of the Black trans experience in New York City and beyond. The album honors the past while embracing the future, creating a unique fusion of nostalgic and contemporary sounds.

Shed Program Team

Alex Poots, Artistic Director
Madani Younis, Chief Executive Producer
Laura Aswad, Producer
Ben Young, Production Manager

Location and dates

This event takes place in The Griffin Theater.

Saturday, September 14

Shows at 7 pm and 9:30 pm

The Shed’s Griffin Theater is located at 545 West 30th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues. View The Shed on a map.

For information about accessibility and arriving at The Shed, visit our Accessibility page.

Details

Running time: 70 minutes
This production is standing room, with accessible seating options available.
Late entry is not guaranteed; latecomers will be admitted at the discretion of house management.
This production uses strobe effects.
This production includes explicit language.

Accessibility

Seating

The Shed’s Griffin Theater has accessible seating available. Please let our ushers know if you would like a seat.

Assistive Listening

Devices are available for you to borrow at the ticketing desk if you do not want to use your own smartphone.

Purchasing Tickets

The Shed’s online ticketing system includes the option to submit accommodation requests beyond the access points detailed here.

Contact Us

For questions or other requests, visit the Accessibility page, email accessibility@theshed.org, or call (646) 455-3494.

Thank you to our partners

The creation of new work at The Shed is generously supported by the Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch Commissioning Fund and the Shed Commissioners.

Major support for live productions at The Shed is provided by the Charina Endowment Fund, with additional support from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

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