Zahra Baker and Shanta Nurullah host a participatory workshop based on gathering stories of Black lesbian life. Workshop begins with a screening of OM MISSION, a video created for About Face Theatre's 2020-21 Virtual Kickback Festival. This project grew into the 2025 OM MISSION production at Den Theatre, which will be restaged at Arts + Public Life in 2027. In the show, Zahra and Shanta set out on an adventure to find stories of Black lesbians in the public archive. Though at first they are met with silence and gaps, they come to discover unexpected and remarkable unsung histories of some loud and out Blues women of the 1920’s and 30’s. Gathering inspiration from the past, these visionary performers build a vibrant and joyful tribute that shines a light on Black lesbians today. Along your journey with them, you’ll get to add your voice to the growing chorus of people building a future that is safe and inclusive for all.
Following the video, Shanta and Zahra will facilitate a story swap, encouraging participants to share anecdotes and memories related to themes introduced in "Om Mission," including Identity, safety and belonging.
Presented in partnership with About Face Theater. Zahra Baker and Shanta Nurullah were featured in APL’s Never So Free 2025 series of artist profiles designed to strengthen the ties between today’s Black and brown queer artists and Chicago’s long lineage of queer art-making and cultural innovation.
Program Schedule
1:30 reception
2:00pm show
About the Artists
Shanta Nurullah is a nationally known storyteller and musician based in Chicago. She has presented storytelling programs and workshops in schools, libraries, colleges, churches, festivals, prisons and many other places where people gather and listen. Career highlights include the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, TN, nine iterations of the National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference, the Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska and Las Vegas Storytelling Festivals and at the headquarters of National Geographic.
Shanta has received an Illinois Arts Council Artist Fellowship, the Zora Neale Hurston Award from the National Association of Black Storytellers, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Mutual Mentorship for Musicians(M3). A 2021 3Arts Awardee, she has received grants from the Nevada Arts Council, the American Association of University Women and the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Shanta has an original story on permanent display at Brookfield Zoo (IL) and has been a storytelling teacher and mentor for many years.
Zahra Glenda Baker (she, they) is a Louisiana-born artist whose diverse talents as a vocalist, storyteller, poet, ritualist, and teaching artist have enhanced the Chicago arts scene for over 35 years. She focuses on interpreting human experiences and advocating for liberation. A guardian of African American oral traditions, Zahra is deeply engaged in community and cultural expression. Zahra is an Artistic Associate with About Face Theatre, has performed at the National Black Storytelling Festival, World Music Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival, as well as schools, community centers and museums. Currently in development is a performance honoring the Mother of Reparations and mutual aid, Callie Guy House. @zahramalika