WSSU hosts International Black Theater Festival Celebrity Reception
The biennial pilgrimage to the holy ground of Black theater is under way this week in Winston-Salem, NC.
To put it another way, if you are into theater, whether it be as a spectator, actor, writer, producer or director, you need to be in the mix.
The 18th biennial International Black Theatre Festival (IBTF) takes place July 29-August 3. It’s the 35th anniversary of the six-day festival, considered the biggest event in Black theatre, transforming Winston-Salem’s city of arts and innovation into a mega-performing arts center with more than 130 performances, a star-studded opening night gala and procession, workshops, films, seminars, a midnight poetry slam, and much more, all performed throughout the city’s venues.
This year’s co-chairs are Tamara Tunie and Clifton Davis. Tunie is an award-winning actor, singer, director and producer, who played Whitney Houston’s mother in “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” Davis is a Tony and Grammy-award nominated actor, singer and composer best known for his role in the TV series, “Amen” and most recently for his four-year run in Broadway’s “Aladdin.”
The Black Theater Festival is presented by the North Carolina Black Repertory Company, which was founded by Larry Leon Hamlin in 1979. It was the first professional Black theater company in North Carolina.
The week began on Sunday with a star-studded celebrity reception on the campus of Winston-Salem State University, where more than 700 people attended. It was the largest audience to date for new WSSU Chancellor Bonita Brown.
“Your contributions to a world of theater are not only celebrated this evening but are cherished as a part of our larger narrative,” Brown said at the reception. “As we embark on this festival together, let us embrace the stories, let us embrace the performances and the profound messages that will unfold over the coming days.”
The opening night gala on Monday at the Benton Convention Center awarded honorees in various categories and was followed by a dramatic, powerful and entertaining one-man production called, “Love Warrior,” written and performed by Daniel Koa Beaty, who plays 46 different parts.
If that show is an indicator of other performances throughout the week, prepare to be inspired through the arts. One particular show, “Coconut Cake” has already sold out, so get your tickets early. But there is a slew of other productions that will provide something for everyone – and even a vendors’ market for those who love to shop for unique and cultural gifts.
In addition to plays, there are musicals and musical tributes to Motown, Etta James, Phyllis Hyman and Luther Vandross; an homage to Muhammad Ali; a three-night midnight poetry jam; Michael Colyar’s comedy extravaganza; a national youth talent showcase and much more.
Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines said the festival, since its establishment, has a more than $200 million economic impact on the city, which is a lead sponsor. It attracts people from all over the country who help to paint the city purple – the official festival color.
To put it another way, put on your purple and head to the Black Theater holy ground – and prepare to be transformed.
For more about the festival, visit https://ncblackrep.org/international-black-theatre-festival/
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