Ernest Hogan

Theatre would not be theatre without the efforts of Black artists, and it’s important to learn about their impact on the industry. In honor of Black History Month, here is a timeline of theatre milestones achieved by Black professionals. 

Concert aficionados from around the country will want to mark their calendars for Music Mountain, America's oldest continuing summer chamber music festival, when it kicks off its record-breaking 87th Anniversary Season beginning Sunday, June 5th!

Stoneham Theatre presents the world premiere of Michael Aman's THE UNBLEACHED AMERICAN, a play about Ernest Hogan, the "father of ragtime." A long forgotten African American musical innovator, Hogan attained great success before tumbling into infamy. This important story imagines his relationship with an Irish immigrant nurse charged with caring for him in the final months of his life at the turn of the 20th century.

The Unbleached American tells the story of Ernest Hogan, the 'father of ragtime' and the first African American to perform on Broadway. Beloved by his fans and wealthy beyond his wildest dreams, Hogan was also an infamous writer of 'coon songs' that many considered offensive to his own race. The Unbleached American imagines the relationship between Ernest and the woman sent to care for him at the end of his life.

This April, Stoneham Theatre audiences will discover a piece of American history with the World Premiere of Michael Aman's play The Unbleached American.

The Unbleached American tells the story of Ernest Hogan, the 'father of ragtime' and the first African American to perform on Broadway. Beloved by his fans and wealthy beyond his wildest dreams, Hogan was also an infamous writer of 'coon songs' that many considered offensive to his own race. The Unbleached American imagines the relationship between Ernest and the woman sent to care for him at the end of his life.

Theatre Resources Unlimited and Lisa Dozier in association with Elaine Smith will present the first New York public reading of the new drama The Unbleached American by Michael Aman, directed by Michael Bush (Stormy Weather, Based on a Totally True Story) on June 15th at 7pm.

Theatre Resources Unlimited and Lisa Dozier in association with Elaine Smith will present the first New York public reading of the new drama The Unbleached American by Michael Aman, directed by Michael Bush (Stormy Weather, Based on a Totally True Story) on June 15th at 7pm.

New Repertory Theatre presents New Voices @ New Rep, a staged reading series. Featuring four new works by established and emerging American playwrights, New Voices @ New Rep is open to the public, and admission is free.