Madam Queen at South Dallas Cultural Center

MADAM QUEEN

APRIL 2- April 19

Written by diannetucker

Soul Rep Theatre Company is proud to present MADAM QUEEN, a fully staged world-premiere production of the final work by the late, beloved Dallas playwright diannetucker. This historical drama—developed with support from a TACA New Works grant—marks the culmination of a year-long creative journey and honors the enduring legacy of a visionary artist whose influence helped shape Soul Rep from its earliest days.

Inspired by the life of Hannah Elias, widely regarded as one of the wealthiest Black women of her era, Madam Queen brings to the stage a powerful portrait of ambition, resilience, and survival in turn-of-the-century New York. Through a bold and richly layered narrative, the play explores race, power, identity, and the cost of claiming space in a world determined to deny it.

Presented as a fully staged production, Madam Queen reflects diannetucker’s expansive storytelling style—blending history, spectacle, and emotional depth. The production stands as both a celebration of Black women’s leadership and an artistic tribute to a playwright whose voice continues to resonate.

diannetucker was a prolific North Texas writer, playwright, lyricist, and storyteller who served as an early champion of Soul Rep Theatre Company and a mentor to its co-founders. In 1985, she founded Dallas Drama Company, a nonprofit theatre that operated for a decade and served as a formative training ground for two of Soul Rep’s founding members. Her commitment to cultivating Black artists and stories left an indelible mark on the Dallas arts community.

Born in Marshall, Texas, diannetucker earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Texas and Southern Methodist University. Her creative life extended beyond the stage; in 2009, she co-founded Tucker’s Blues in Deep Ellum, a beloved venue dedicated to celebrating local blues musicians and Black cultural expression.

diannetucker passed away in 2022 following a battle with cancer. Madam Queen stands as her final artistic offering—an extraordinary work that ensures her voice, vision, and legacy live on.