Description
“Songs For Wo(Men)” is Mugabi Byenkya's second book and first chapbook. Interweaving an overarching play; with nonfiction and poetry interludes. Based on true events, when Mugabi was stuck in an unwanted conversation with a man (named Dick in the chapbook), who started and continued the conversation unprompted. Dick expresses his astoundment over the way Mugabi is dressed, as well as unsolicited and invasive queries into Mugabi's: cultural background; disabilities; sexuality and dating history. Dick invades Mugabi's personal space on multiple occasions and attempts to pass on misogynistic and violent ways of approaching women, much to Mugabi's chagrin. The overarching play narrative is interspersed with interludes of poetry and prose; to illustrate moments of self-reflection during an unwanted conversation.
Thematically, the chapbook discusses: toxic masculinity; gender identity; life in the diaspora; self-love; code switching; grief; addiction; belonging; neurodivergence; exoticism; being disabled in an able-bodied world; sexuality; catcalling culture; consent; black women femicide; sexual assault and physical abuse. Content warning for everything listed prior.