Our Unfolding page gathers long-form works and creative initiatives currently in development. These projects reflect questions we’re exploring, stories taking shape, and ideas that require time, care, and collaboration to grow.
Some works are in early research or fundraising stages, while others are seeking producing partners or future collaborators. Together, they represent what’s next for Melanin Mosaic, grounded in storytelling, care, and sustained creative practice.
Northbound — Documentary Excerpt
Northbound explores the historic and ongoing journeys north taken in search of freedom, belonging, and opportunity. From the story of Thornton and Lucie Blackburn, who escaped slavery in the early 1800s and helped shape Toronto’s early Black community, to the legacy of Harriet Tubman in St. Catharines, the film traces how these movements continue to shape the present. Blending history, movement, and performance, this excerpt also follows members of Melanin Mosaic Performance Ensemble as they travel north to create and perform new work inspired by these histories. This video presents a 15-minute excerpt from the documentary Northbound, currently in development.
But Not Broken
In development. Inquiries welcome.
But Not Broken is a 20-min short film exploring mental health, healing, and human connection through the expressive language of color guard and dance. Centering a group of men, the work examines what it means to confront struggle not in isolation, but in community. Through narration, movement, and shared vulnerability, the film reveals the quiet strength of being seen, held, and supported.
Set to the haunting beauty of Dinah Washington and Max Richter’s This Bitter Earth, But Not Broken is a meditation on resilience and the power of collective care. The project is currently in development and actively raising funding, with plans to bring together in-person performance and virtual collaboration that reflect the many ways connection can exist across distance, time, and lived experience.
This project is not just a performance.
It is an invitation to create space for conversations around mental health, masculinity, and care—on our screens, in our communities, and within ourselves. But Not Broken is currently seeking producing partners who believe in the importance of storytelling that centers humanity, healing, and shared responsibility.
Please get in touch if interested in learning more.
Creative Team
Jarid Polite
Writer & Creator – But Not Broken
Jarid Polite is a writer, creative director, and performer based in New York City. As the founder of Melanin Mosaic Performance Ensemble, his work blends movement, film, and storytelling to explore identity, mental health, and belonging—particularly within the marching and performance arts.
Shivani Shah
Director - Man Up
Shivani Shah is a director, writer, and actor. Originally from Chicago, IL, she splits her time between India and the US. She currently lives in NYC. Her work explores themes around mental health, time, and pivotal moments in the relationships of those in their late-20s to early-30s.
Relax. Breathe Out. Release.
A Guided Meditation and Empowerment Project by Melanin Mosaic
Melanin Mosaic Performance Ensemble is a collective rooted in movement, music, and storytelling — and we're building tools for the new face of the marching arts. Mental health awareness and emotional support are at the heart of this work. Our latest initiative is a meditation and empowerment audio series called Relax. Breathe Out. Release.
This project will feature short guided tracks that performers and instructors can listen to before or after rehearsal, critique, or competition — or whenever they need a reset.
Each track blends breathwork and calming music with words of encouragement from trusted voices in the community.
Looking To Contribute? Get In Touch