Black Ensemble Theater’s Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor announces the 2023 Black Playwrights Initiative (BPI) Festival, July 11-15, 2023 at Black Ensemble Theater.
Tickets are $25 and are available at www.blackensemble.org, (773) 769-4451 and at the Black Ensemble Theater Box Office, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago.
Jackie Taylor, Founder and CEO of Black Ensemble Theater and the Creator of Black Playwrights Initiative comments, “Chicago has a rich and fertile community of African American Playwrights. There was a need for an organization that focused specifically on these artists as it related to their unique cultural heritage. The BPI Festival is a vehicle that brings us together as a community to share resources and nourish our skills. It is the purpose of the BPI to develop scripts for the Black Ensemble Theater and to increase local and national exposure for our membership.”
The Black Playwrights Initiative is supported by National Endowment for the Arts and Bank of America.
The festival line-up includes:
Tuesday, July 11, at 7:00pm
Dreams & Fantasies: The Dorothy Dandridge Story
Written by Viola Bennett
Directed by Daryl D. Brooks
Experience the heartache, hardships, and anxiety of Dorothy Dandridge’s life and career, the first black movie star. Despite hoping for a happy life after being raised by a cruel woman, adulthood became more challenging after her only child was diagnosed with severe brain damage. The harsh realities of her life drove her to consume pills and escape into dreamworlds. Enter the fantasy world of Dorothy Dandridge as she imagines talking to her daughter.
Wednesday, July 12 at 7:00pm
True Happiness
Written by Jill Ross
Directed by Daryl D. Brooks
How four sisters persevered and made their singing fairytale come true.
Thursday, July 13 at 7:00pm
The Making of An Empress of Soul: Gladys Knight
Written by Michelle Renee’ Bester
Directed by Daryl D. Brooks
The life and career of Gladys Knight narrated by the people who knew her best, The Pips!
Friday, July 14 at 7:00pm
Lady T: The Story of Teena Marie
Written by Lillian Mitchum
Directed by Daryl D. Brooks
Mary Christine Brochart aka “Teena Marie,” she’s a white woman with a soulful voice fighting against all odds to fit into the black community. Blackballed by the musical industry, misused by love and struck down with illness. Ms. Teena Marie was determined not to give in but to move on – no matter what!
Saturday, July 15 at 3:00pm
Lyrical Memories
Written by Reginald Williams
Directed by Daryl D. Brooks
Two couples, madly in love believing they had found their soulmates, and forced to separate over 50 years ago, are unexpectedly reunited; proving the old adage, “Love conquers all.”
Saturday, July 15, at 7:00pm
Sam Cooke: Killing of A King
Written by Ervin Gardner
Directed by Daryl D. Brooks
Upcoming Black Ensemble Theater productions and events include:
Fridays on the Green
July 21, 28, August 5 & 12, 2023
Live music on the Black Ensemble lawn; Free event
A Taste of Soul
Written & Directed by Daryl D. Brooks
September 3-October 1, 2023
The Other Cinderella
Written and Directed by Jackie Taylor
November 11, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Previews: November 11, 12, 17 and 18, 2023
Press Opening: Sunday, November 19, 2023
Black Ensemble Theater
Founded in 1976, by the phenomenal producer, playwright and actress Jackie Taylor, Black Ensemble Theater is the only African American theater located in the culturally, racially, and ethnically diverse north side Uptown community. Through its Four Play Season of Excellence, The Black Ensemble Theater dazzles audiences locally, nationally, and internationally with outstanding original musicals that are entertaining, educational, and uplifting. The Black Ensemble Theater has produced more than 100 productions and employed over 5,000 artists.
The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater Company is to eradicate racism and its devastating effects upon society through the theater arts. For more information on the Black Ensemble Theater Company, visit www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org or call 773-769-4451.