REVIEW: A Vessel Born To Float, Yazmin Monet Watkins, EdFringe 2025 ★★★★★

A Vessel Born To Float by Yazmin Monét Watkins is a masterful celebration of art, activism, and Black womanhood. The show brings to life a treasury of deep and meaningful poetry.

From the moment she rolls onto stage donning a halterneck white tulle dress, Yazmin Monét Watkins captivates with grace and power. Her poems traverse themes of gratitude, abortion, healing hands, the frustrations of systemic injustice, and the sanctity of Black communal spaces. From taking us “to church” to the energy of a rally, the performance invites the audience into a deeply shared experience. The communal vibe reaches a crescendo as the crowd breaks into “What it is” by Docheii, and affirmation through snaps, bubbles, and hmms.

A Vessel Born To Float is a love letter for Black women, proudly and unapologetically Black. This is a communion, a shared-ritual, a slam-poetry morning session, a truly genuine and authentically curated safe space.

The poems resonate deeply, inviting both introspection and collective recognition. Yazmin’s sharp comedic timing, intimate storytelling, and decisive declarations ensure that each piece lands with impact. The show is a powerful exploration of what it means to hold space for oneself and for others in a world that often seeks to erase Black voices.

The production is visually and sonically stunning. Draped on the back wall are three blue cloths centered by a sequenced aqua-toned cloth, evoking the ebb and flow of large bodies of water that pairs beautifully with Yazmin’s smooth movements as she skates. Gorgeous blue and purple lighting shifts to rich red as anger and frustration swells, while a beautiful, illuminating spotlight frames the final poem as Yazmin affirms exactly who she is. The soundscape mirrors water in endless motion, enhancing the meditative and emotional resonance. Her parents are immortalised in the set with framed pictures and tea lights, clearly showing who guides her. 

A Vessel Born To Float is a generous offering to audiences. Yazmin Monét Watkins creates a space where joy, sorrow, anger, and love coexist, leaving audiences emotionally moved and inspired. 

Performances of A Vessel Born To Float have now concluded at EdFringe 2025.