Theater

"School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play." Seven Black women in a school room with six dressed in colorful dresses.
N. Jamiyla Chisholm  Sep 19, 2019 2:19PM EDT

Plays Written by Women of Color Reign on Broadway

Larissa FastHorse: “I honestly never expected to be on this list as a Native American playwright, and that’s really sad.”
For Colored Girls. Book cover and red, yellow and brown dresses.
N. Jamiyla Chisholm  Sep 17, 2019 1:56PM EDT

Ntozake Shange's 'For Colored Girls' Returns to the Stage

The choreopoem will enjoy a six-week revival at New York City’s Public Theater.
A Black woman turned to the side laughs while wearing a hat
Tiarra Mukherjee  Apr 4, 2019 12:32PM EDT

A Play About Maya Angelou is Being Developed for Broadway

“Phenomenal Woman: An Evening with Maya Angelou” will debut in 2021.
A Latinx man waring a brown suit jacket and tie stands on a stage with a mic in his hand.
Tiarra Mukherjee  Apr 2, 2019 11:59AM EDT

John Leguizamo's One-Man Show 'Latin History for Morons' Hits the Road

The comedian will break down Latinx history through the ages on his nationwide tour.
Poster with yellow top bar and black text reading "PLAYBILL" and Black woman on white and pink and turquoise background behind black text that reads "EVE'S SONG" on grey pavement in front of brown building
Sameer Rao  Dec 11, 2018 12:29PM EST

READ: New York City Theater Explores Black Death

The Undefeated looks at on- and off-Broadway plays that take on the specter of anti-Black violence, both intimate and structural, during this theater season.
Jon Batiste and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Black-and-white image of Black man in black leather jacket and shirt in front of background with text. Black-and-white image of Black man with black dredlocs in suit on white wall
Sameer Rao  Sep 27, 2018 1:37PM EDT

Jon Batiste Turns Jean-Michel Basquiat's Life Into a Broadway Musical

“I want people to leave this show inspired to create. I want them to not only learn about Jean-Michel Basquiat, an innovator, but to also feel the visceral thrill of the creative process and to deepen and discover their own creativity.”
Cast of "Hamilton" in multicolored costumes stands and applauds behind Lin-Manuel Miranda in blue blazer and grey tie and black pants on brown stage
Sameer Rao  Jul 25, 2018 12:08PM EDT

'Hamilton' Could Hit a Movie Theater Near You

A recorded performance of the hit musical reportedly sparked a bidding war among Hollywood film studios. 
Black woman with black dreadlocks in black dress holds white placard with red and black text and speaks into black microphone on clear glass podium in front of blue and black screen
Sameer Rao  Jun 1, 2018 2:02PM EDT

Action!: Iconic Shows From Playwrights of Color

The New York Times featured works from Suzan-Lori Parks, David Henry Hwang and other writers of color in a new list of the greatest American plays from the last 25 years.
Black woman with brown dreadlocks and grey blazer and black shirt against black background
Sameer Rao  Oct 19, 2016 1:53PM EDT

Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Brings Trauma of Criminalization to the Stage

Ahead of opening night for Patrisse Cullors’ “Power: From the Mouths of the Occupied,” the activist talked to Colorlines about how the production will incorporate the stories of Seattle locals in each performance.
Black woman in faded cotton dress stands in front of five other Black women in cotton dresses
Kenrya Rankin  Jun 9, 2016 10:51AM EDT

Black Actresses Discuss Why Broadway Needs More Diversity Than 'Hamilton'

Danai Gurira, Danielle Brooks and Renée Elise Goldsberry break down the need for more plays by and for people of color.
Sameer Rao  Apr 19, 2016 4:20PM EDT

'Hamilton,' Police Shooting Database Net Pulitzer Prizes

This year marks the award program’s 100th anniversary. 
Qimmah Saafir  Mar 24, 2015 1:29PM EDT

Brandy Norwood Set To Star In Broadway's Chicago

“Chicago” gets a new Roxie Hart.
Julianne Hing  Nov 20, 2012 9:48AM EST

A 'Love Balm' for Mothers Who've Watched Too Many Sons Die

A Bay Area theater project featuring the testimony of Oscar Grant’s grandmother seeks to make emotional sense of incomprehensible violence.
Jamilah King  Nov 5, 2012 9:53AM EST

A New Play Explores the Beauty of Being Black in the Green Movement

Marc Bamuthi Joseph’s “red, black, and GREEN: a blues” is an interactive and intimate look at how communities are redefining sustainability.
Tiffany Bradley  Jun 8, 2012 10:03AM EDT

How to Talk About Race Without Getting Stuck in 'Clybourne Park'

Bruce Norris’ bleak view of the state of America’s race discussion is up for a Tony Award this weekend. While you’re watching the ceremony, you can try out these tools for avoiding the quagmire in which the characters of “Clybourne Park” find themselves.