Black Arts MKE recently announced the lineup for the 2024 Black Theatre Festival, running Aug. 7-25. The festival is the first of many celebrations in honor of Black Arts MKE’s 10-year anniversary.
“Our public programming began with our signature production of Black Nativity by Langston Hughes,” said Barbara Wanzo, executive director of Black Arts MKE, in an email. “Nine years later our performing arts work includes theater collaborations with producers of special events each fall like Free Therapy this year, Bronzeville Arts Ensemble and Nobleman Theater Troupe.”
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
The festival will consist of both free and ticketed events available to all. There will be full production plays, poetry sets, audition masterclasses and more.
“I’m most excited because it’s a unique theatrical event and our third annual MKE Black Theater Festival.” said Wanzo. “It’s a unique opportunity because our stories written by Black playwrights are told from the perspective of Black Directors.”
Here is the lineup of the festival’s events:
- Youth & Family Night, Aug. 7, Alice’s Garden
- For Colored Girls Who Considered Suicide/When The Rainbow Is Enuf, Aug. 8 to 25, Marcus Center and Vogel Hall
- The Realness, Aug. 8 to 25, Marcus Center and Todd Wehr Theater
- Open Audition Masterclass with Lori Woodall, Aug. 12, Insomniac Studios
- Stories About the Old Days, Aug.15-17, The Table
- Auditions for Auditions for Black Nativity by Langston Hughes, Aug. 19 at Studio 4a at Marcus Performing Arts Center
- In the Blood, Aug. 20, The Table
- Poetry Set With The Jasmine Sims, Aug.24, HoneyBee Sage
For more information about the events, go to blackartsmke.org/MBTF24.
