Christine Rebet, the 2026-27 Toni and Tim Urban Artist-in-Residence, has an exhibition on view at the Des Moines Art Center, “Christine Rebet: Sound of Time,” April 11 – August 23 in the Pamela Bass-Bookey and Harry Bookey Gallery. During this special live artistic performance, visitors are invited to experience “The Fall” featuring Simone Harris as Lady Blake Ophelia Stratum, followed by a screening of Rebet’s film “The Fall” (2025). After the screening, sit in for a dialogue between Harris and Rebet, moderated by Art Center Associate Curator Ashton Cooper.
In the early 18th century, in the blue mountains of Jamaica, enslaved Africans who had escaped from plantations founded autonomous communities of Maroons. Queen Nanny, their supreme leader, led their struggle for freedom. She is one of the most celebrated figures from Jamaica and embodies the victorious fight against slavery and colonialism, as well as the resistance of the island’s women. Her spirit remains very much alive. The Windward Maroons, from the community of Moore Town, celebrate their Queen every year in dance ceremonies. Simone Harris, one of the Queen’s descendants, revisits the history of this legendary figure in her performance.
Free; registration required.
Image: Simone Harris as Lady Blake. Photo by Kevin Tschierse.
We strive to provide live captioning for all events offered in Levitt Auditorium. Due to interpreter shortages throughout Iowa, American Sign Language interpretation is only available upon request. ASL and other accommodation requests can be made by emailing jfeatherstone@desmoinesartcenter.org.
