Jess Dobkins’ Wetrospective Book Launch (2024)

A performance party celebrating the Toronto launch of Jess Dobkin’s Wetrospective: Constellating performance archives (2024, Intellect Books and AGYU) Edited by Laura Levin, designed by Lisa Kiss Design. Hosted by Elvira Kurt with a dazzling lineup of collaborators, conspirators, Queer luminaries, and DJ Cozmic Cat.

How can archives perform?

In November 2024, I was the Assistant Producer for the Toronto launch of Jess Dobkin's Wetrospective: Constellating Performance Archives. The event was held in the

The launch was held at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre’s Cabaret. True to her practice, Jess designed a communal activation featuring elaborate performance toasts drawn from the book's themes, ADD MORE HERE and a custom vulva-shaped mirrorball spinning above the room.

The night was raucous and joyful and very full. The event ended with sheet cake reading Thank You For Coming! in pink frosting, Cherry Bomb taking the stage.

Jess Dobkins | Photo by Henry Chan