Black Theatre Day was launched by The International Black Theatre Summit in 2021 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the African Grove Theatre, the first known Black professional theatre company in the United States. This annual celebration increases visibility of Black Theatres and encourages year-round support through donations, volunteerism, and amplification. Discover Black Theatre Day events near you!
Featuring a diverse array of thirteen solo artists, the festival offers three weeks of powerful personal stories. Spanning comedy, drama, song, music, poetry and more – the festival makes up a rich tapestry of cultural life that is sure to excite and delight audiences.
Join Soultrè Presents for The Gathering Table on September 17, National Black Theatre Day, at Alice’s Garden. Come eat, fellowship, pour libation, talk Black theatre, share art, and be in community. The evening will include a panel discussion, community potluck, and live rehearsal preview of Lynn Nottage’s Clyde’s.
Marcia Pendelton moderates a conversation with Black theatre artists who call Brooklyn home.
Based on the true stories of six wrongfully convicted people who spent years on death row for crimes they did not commit, The Exonerated is a powerful and deeply moving examination of justice, perseverance, and the human spirit. Drawn from court transcripts, interviews, letters, and personal accounts, this acclaimed documentary-style drama reveals the devastating impact of wrongful convictions while celebrating the resilience of those who refused to give up hope. An unforgettable theatrical experience, The Exonerated challenges audiences to confront the flaws of the justice system and the strength required to survive it.
Two classes will participate in a social media campaign to amplify Black theatres on September 17, Black Theatre Day. Students will identify a Black Theatre institution in their home or origin city/town/region and follow them on social media. The goal is to repost and bring attention to the organization. They will be completing the worksheet Eunice Ferreira created with Dr. Monica W. Ndounou
Two hours of full-body contact explosive theatre fun improv game play. DO NOT MISS this earth shattering, groundbreaking, once in a lifetime opportunity! NO experience required. Experienced players and theatre-curious folks itching for fun IRL welcome. Hijinx. Hilarity. Fun fun fun.
events.brown.eduWe are hosting a Minor Hall 110 from 11:00 AM–4:00 PM. Students, colleagues, friends, and members of our broader community are all welcome. We plan to create a lively, welcoming space to celebrate, explore, and engage with Black theatre—nationally, regionally, and locally. 🎭 Tentative Schedule 11:00–11:30 AM — Screening of a Black Theatre–Related Film 12:00–12:30 PM — Black Theatre Stations* 12:30–1:00 PM — Screening of Black Theatre–Related Film 1:00–1:30 PM — Black Theatre Conversation 1:30–2:00 PM — Black Theatre Stations (continued)* 2:00–2:30 PM — Live Reading with Dir. Leslie Scott-Jones and Dr. Yunina Barbour-Payne 2:30–3:00 PM — Classroom Conversation 3:00–3:30 PM — Screening of Black Theatre–Related Film 3:30–4:00 PM — Black Theatre Stations(continued)* *Black Theatre Station Activities will include a series of displays, activities, and games designed to help us learn more about Black theatre nationally, in Virginia, at UVA and in the Greater Charlottesville area.