September – December 2016 

3 Features and a Community Night are what we have planned September – December 2016.

Every evening begins at 7:30pm @ the cell.

Suggested Donation $10

Reserve via Brown Paper Tickets or RSVP: info@blackboardplays.com


Monday, September 12, 2016

“When Night Falls”

By Cynthia G. Robinson 

Josiane Bisimwa, a Sudanese woman, falls victim to unspeakable violence and destruction that ravishes her small village and destroys her young family. She escapes to a refugee camp where she befriends Katherine Rice, a grieving American doctor who brings her to the United States. Although no longer in the Sudan, Josiane is plagued by guilt and is haunted by her past and the family she left behind. Bonded by grief and personal loss, these women struggle to heal, find peace, and the courage to love again.

Originally developed in part with the support of Rising Circle Theater Collective at the 2016 INKtank Play Development Lab for Emerging Artists of Color.

Reading Details Here!


Monday, October 3, 2016

“Su-Su”

By Dr. Ofem Ajah

Seven low-level female staff of Methodist Hospital from six countries, form a su-su and all is well until their leader, a Nigerian woman, Mrs. Mercy Bassey, is slain by a rogue cop on her birthday. Her daughter is selected to succeed her but the group is gripped by tension, suspicion, and distrust. The cop is admitted to the hospital with a piece of steak in his throat where the slain leader’s daughter (Abigail Bassey) is forced to take care of him. Under anesthesia, the cop confesses to the murder of Mrs. Bassey, causing her daughter to collapse. The cop is arrested and imprisoned. The daughter discovers that her mother had invested the group’s money in high-flying stocks. The group assembles and each member receives her bulging purse.

Monday, November 14, 2016

“Unbreakable Soldier”

By Shashone Lambert

Unbreakable Soldier is a one-man show inspired by the life of Kalief Browder and takes the audience on a journey. Mixed with fact and fiction, the show gives a glimpse into the life of Kalief Browder from before he was arrested, while he was in Rikers, up until the tragic moment when he commits suicide. Infused with dance, sound and lighting effects, Unbreakable Soldier is powerful, thought provoking story that needs to be heard and seen.

 

Monday, December 12, 2016

RedVolution

Redvolution Logo 2016

HIV/AIDS Community Night

In October 2006, Blackboard Founder, Garlia Jones-Ly produced “RedVolution” an  HIV/AIDS Awareness Benefit Concert with her College Theatre group, Black Curtain.  10 years later, HIV/AIDS is not a forgotten disease and continues to affect Black communities.

The RedVolution Community evening is simple: Playwrights submit short plays (up to 30 minutes) for this themed evening.  Unlike most community nights, submissions, will only be accepted September 1 – October 31st.    Selections will be made and the final plays will be announced by the end of November to get ready for the December 12th Curated Community Evening.

Submit your RedVolution play here.