Here are just a few of the many events taking place during Philly Theatre Week that highlight Black stories, history, and culture!

 

Kaleidoscope Cultural Arts Collective

Friday, April 1 - Saturday, April 2

Virtual

 

From crazy pick up lines such as "Mmm girl, I can see that thang from the front!" to special unexpected moments of love, this production is a compilation of comedic human stories that center around first encounters, awkward moments, and romantic relationships, including the presentation of the short play, "Sure Thing" by David Ives.

 

 

Miniball

Sunday, April 3, 8:30pm; Monday, April 4, 6:30pm; Tuesday, April 5, 8:00pm

In-person

 

Meet Sophie, as she explores her most authentic erotic sensual self as a Black Women leveraging the erotic as power through a long-form, 45-minute Burlesque Performance.

 

 

Curio Theatre Company

Friday, April 1, 8:00pm; Saturday, April 2, 8:00pm; Thursday, April 7, 8:00pm; Saturday, April 9, 3:00pm & 8:00pm

In-person

 

Curio Theatre Company presents Lanie Robertson's critically acclaimed play, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, starring beloved company member and Barrymore Award winner Ebony Pullum. The play explores the life of legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday during one of her final performances in Philadelphia.

 

 

Nubienne Productions

Sunday, April 10, 5:00pm - 7:00pm

In-person

 

Wheelz of Life (c) is a tale of tragedy and triumph centering the life story of a Brian, an African-American youth who is tasked to voyage the underworld after nearly losing his life at the hands of violence. With the assistance of community and the spirit world he retrieves his hidden powers within the art of rollerskating. The Wheelz of Life (c) listening party will include behind the scenes footage of creation process including an exclusive listening party featuring music from the original score along with live performance on skates. 

 

 

Shamika Byrd

Sunday, April 10, 7:00pm

Virtual

 

During this one only concert, Shamika Byrd will be sharing some of her favorites from her living room to wherever you are. If you like Aretha Franklin and Sam Cooke you will be glad you stopped by for some Sunday soul.

 

 

April 1-10

Self Guided Walking Tour

 

We speak ourselves into existence. But, what happens when others of the world silence your tones to cacophony their worth? Originally commissioned as part of the Painted Bride Art’s Center “Power to the Prompt" conversation, Community Capital: an Afrofuturism South Philly Walking Experience, curated and written by TS Hawkins & Lois Moses, illuminates an intersectional poetic expedition of sound and unearthing through the streets of South Philadelphia.

 

Producer's Guild

Friday, April 8, 8:00pm

In-person

 

True stories ranging from age four to eighteen of a racial ambiguous biracial boy tackling racism and colorism in his community, teaching himself how to live his life as a young biracial boy. These stories are presented in hopes to teach the next generation of confused, racially ambiguous children of color that they are not alone. 

 

 

The Trailblazers Collective

April 1-10

Virtual 

 

The Preacherman is the story of a young man that is one of many victimized by a pillar in the community - Kevin, a preacher at their Baptist church. This story tells of the bravery of the young men speaking out, and the truth behind what happens behind closed doors - specifically the overlooked stories of abused, young Black men in the church.