National Black Theatre News

Written by Obie Award-winning playwright Dominique Morisseau, and directed by Temple Professor Amina Robinson, Detroit '67 will be presented at the Randall Theater.

The Drama League of New York's Associate Artistic Director Nilan passed away due to a sudden illness involving complications from flu. Nilan is survived by his mother, Melle Johnson, and his sister, Malease Johnson.

Asolo Repertory Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for PRIMARY TRUST, with performances January 7–February 11, 2026 (previews Jan. 7–8; opening night Jan. 9).

HERO: THE BOY FROM TROY, A MUSICAL ABOUT YOUNG JOHN LEWIS, will celebrate it's second national tour, January 15-March 6, 2026.

New York Theatre Workshop has announced dates and ticket information for the world premiere of My Joy is Heavy, created and performed by Obie Award-winning duo & NYTW Usual Suspects The Bengsons (Hundred Days, The Keep Going Songs), directed by Tony Award winner and NYTW Usual Suspect Rachel Chavkin (Hadestown; Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812).

Target Margin Theater has revealed the 2025-2026 artists of the TMT Institute, a year-long fellowship that provides five artists with studio space, material resources, and a $2,000 stipend.

LYRICS FROM LOCKDOWN returns to Los Angeles this month for a one-night-only performance. The show is a one-man show bringing 40 characters to life, telling two unbelievable true stories using hip-hop theater, spoken word, blues, calypso, comedy, and a video DJ.

National Black Theatre (NBT) will present a one-night-only revival of Soljourney Into Truth: Staging the Unpublished Manuscript on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 7 PM, at 16 Cooper Square (CBA Studio) as part of NBT’s Fall 2025 Art Institution Residency at New York University’s Hemispheric Institute.

The Drinking Gourd, a national initiative dedicated to developing new works by Black playwrights, has announced its 2025–26 cohort: Stacey Rose, India Nicole Burton, and Nathan Yungerberg.

The Apollo announced that The Fire This Time Festival, the Obie-Award-winning theater festival celebrating playwrights of African and African American descent, will make its permanent home at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria.

Crossroads Theatre Company is launching its 47th season with, Lynn Nottage's 'Crumbs from the Table of Joy.' Learn more and see how to purchase tickets here.

The Dramatists Guild Foundation (DGF) has announced award-winning playwright, journalist, and multimedia artist Aurin Squire as the recipient of the 2025 Thom Thomas Award.

Talking Band will open its two-play 2025-2026 season with the world premiere of Triplicity. Written and composed by Ellen Maddow and directed by Paul Zimet, this new music-theater work runs in October. Learn more!

Crossroads Theatre Company has revealed the cast for its season opener, Lynn Nottage's 'Crumbs from the Table of Joy.' See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

Multi-award-winning artist Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor will return to the Massachusetts stage this October with two performances of his acclaimed Blues Storytelling Theatre works: THUNDERCHILD and A PARTY at the CROSSROADS.

Center Theater Group has announced the Tony-winning Jaja's African Hair Braiding by Joceyln Bioh and directed by Whitney White. Learn more about the production here!

The Frank Silvera Writers' Workshop and the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival announced 'A Partnership in Play,' a new initiative to develop playwrights.

Burning Coal Theatre Company will present Oakwood 2025: Un/NAMED, 6 Short Plays by North Carolina Playwrights, directed by Hayley Philippart. Learn more!

Watch a first look at the European premiere of Fat Ham by James Ijames. Fat Ham is a comic tragedy, and a compelling examination of love and loss, pain and joy. Watch the video!

The People's Theatre has seleced three exceptional playwrights for its 2025 Playwrights Unit: Rudy Bamenga, Alyssa Haddad-Chin, and Victoria Lino. Learn more!