2019 - 2020 Season: She Griots
2019-08-01 - 2020-07-31 | Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA, 30331, United States
Incoming Artistic Director Jamil Jude and True Colors Theatre Company are thrilled to announce the 2019 – 2020 season, dubbed “She Griots.” The three productions of this 17th season focus on strong women playwrights, storytellers, historians and leaders of various generations.
The season opens in September, when True Colors will conclude Dominique Morisseau’s The Detroit Project Trilogy with Paradise Blue. In past seasons, True Colors has produced the two other plays in the trilogy, Detroit ’67 and Skeleton Crew. Set in 1949, Paradise Blue explores a jazz club in Detroit’s Black Bottom, a neighborhood on the verge of urban renewal and radical change.
February 2020 brings Jocelyn Bioh’s comedic hit School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play to the stage. This production follows a group of young women at a Ghanaian boarding school vying to participate in the Miss Ghana Pageant and ultimately, the Miss Global Universe Pageant.
The season closes with George Brant’s Marie and Rosetta, a play with music that tells the story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe and her protégée Marie Knight, as they develop the relationship that led them to become a dynamic singing duo.
Click here for more information about subscriptions.
Click here to purchase single tickets.

Paradise Blue
2019-09-24 - 2019-10-20 | Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA, 30331, United States
Paradise Blue | Written by Dominique Morisseau
It’s 1949, and the new mayor of Detroit is working to get rid of the blight of the city—and to move African Americans out of Detroit’s Black Bottom. Blue, a gifted trumpeter, considers selling his once thriving family jazz club, leaving his beloved Pumpkin and her dreams aside. As Blue fights personal demons to better his life and maintain his sanity, his fellow band members, Corn and P-Sam, are stuck wondering where they fit into the plan to benefit from the changes in their neighborhood. Silver, a mysterious woman with a history, enters the scene with her own plans, turning the lives of everyone upside down.
Set against a backdrop of gentrification and displacement, Paradise Blue encompasses the pain and suffering that accompany the erasure of Black history.
Additional Programming
Greek/HBCU Week
Wednesday, October 2 at 7:30 PM Post-Show | Cast Meet + Greet
Thursday, October 3 at 7:30 PM Pre-Show | Complimentary glass of wine with ticket
Friday, October 4 – Sunday, October 6 All performances | $10 off tickets purchased at box office
Cast Talk Back
Sunday, October 6 at 5:00 PM | FREE | Southwest Arts Center
Join us for a moderated post-show conversation with the cast. This is your chance to ask the cast your most burning questions about their experiences working on this production and hear some unexpected stories behind its creation.
Community Conversation: The Changing Face of Atlanta
Sunday, October 13 at 5:00 PM | FREE | Southwest Arts Center
This conversation will address the question of whether gentrification or “urban renewal” always means displacement or whether new investments can benefit our communities. This is a post-show event that does not include tickets to the performance.
Deep Dive
Wednesday, October 16 6:30 PM | FREE | Southwest Arts Center
Learn about the play with a deeper look into the artistic process. This is a pre-show event that does not include tickets to the performance.
Wine-down Wednesdays
Every Wednesday is wine-down Wednesday at True Colors! Join us beginning at 6:45 PM for a complimentary glass of wine in the SWAC lobby. One complimentary glass with purchase of ticket for patrons 21+.
Cast and Crew
Dominique MorisseauPlaywright
Jamil JudeDirector
Cynthia D. Barker“Pumpkin”
Keith Arthur Bolden“Corn”
Javon Johnson“Blue”
Enoch Armando King“P-Sam”
Tangela Large“Silver”
Moriah and Isabel Curley-Clay, Set Design
Christopher Dills, Props Design
Nyrobi Moss, Costume Design
Chris Lane, Sound Design
Mary Parker, Lighting Design
Russell Gunn, Original Music
Thank You to our Production Sponsor

AWMC Mock Competition
2020-01-18 11:00 - 16:00 UTC | Stillwell Theater at Kennesaw State University, 71 Bartow Ave NW, Kennessaw, GA, 30144, United States

School Girls; or, the African Mean Girls Play
2020-02-11 - 2020-03-08 | Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA, 30331, United States
School Girls; or, the African Mean Girls Play | Written by Jocelyn Bioh

Designated Suzi Recommended!!!
Performances:

Wednesdays at 11:00 AM (Senior Matinee)
Thursdays at 10:30 AM (School Matinee)
Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 PM (Matinee only on Friday, March 6th)
Saturdays at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Sundays at 2:30 PM
Reviews:
TheatreBuzzAtlanta.com
ArtsATL.com
EmoryWheel.com

**Two special performances accessible for the deaf community on March 7th at 2:30 and 7:30**
The matinee and evening performances of School Girls; or the African Mean Girls Play will be interpreted for the deaf or hard of hearing on Saturday, March 7th. Special pricing and seating are available using the promo code: ASLSCHOOL

At the start of the 1986 school year, Paulina, reigning queen bee of the Aburi Boarding School, has her sights set on winning the Miss Ghana Pageant and ultimately, the Miss Global Universe Pageant. Paulina prides herself on successfully shaming her friends over their weight, hair, and status. When American transfer student Erica arrives and begins to threaten Paulina’s position atop her hive-minded friends, the power struggle begins. Colorism, classism, body shaming and more play a role in the skirmishes that ensue.
Focusing on issues that teenagers face around the globe, School Girls; or, the
African Mean Girls Play is a fearless comedy that confronts our concepts of self-esteem and beauty.
Additional Programming
Community Conversation: My Black Is Beautiful
Saturday, January 11 at 11:00 AM | FREE | Carl and Mary Ware Hall – Clark Atlanta University
This inter-generational discussion will focus on beauty standards, past and present, while creating a new definition of beauty that is inclusive of all shades of skin, all body types, and all textures of hair.
Related Reading: If Pretty Hurts… by Tori Sampson
Saturday, February 1 at 7:00 PM | FREE | Southwest Arts Center
Cast Talk Back
Sunday, February 23 at 4:00 PM | FREE | Southwest Arts Center
Join us for a moderated post-show conversation with the cast. This is your chance to ask the cast your most burning questions about their experiences working on this production and to hear some unexpected stories behind its creation.
Daddy/Daughter Week | February 20 – February 22
Get one adult and one child ticket for $35 for evening shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Greek/HBCU Week | February 27 – March 1
Thursday, Feb 27 at 7:30 PM Post-Show | Cast Meet + Greet
Friday, Feb 28 – Sunday, March 1 All Performances $10 off for tickets purchased at box office
Deep Dive
Sunday, March 1 at 4:00 PM | FREE | Southwest Arts Center
Ibi Owolabi, the Dialect Coach, will talk about how she helped the cast develop Ghanaian accents for the production.
Community Panel – Access to the Arts
Saturday, March 7 at 4:00 PM | FREE | Southwest Arts Center
The arts should be accessible to everyone but sadly this is not always true, especially for those with disabilities. For youth, bullying can also sometimes play a role in hindering their access. Join us for a thought-provoking and in-depth conversation with thought leaders on this topic, immediately following the matinee performance.
Cast and Crew
*Click images for bio information*

Jocelyn Bioh
Playwright
×JOCELYN BIOH | Playwright
Jocelyn Bioh (Playwright) is a Ghanaian- American writer/performer from New York City. NYC acting credits include In the Blood (Signature Theatre, Drama Desk Nomination), Everybody (Signature Theatre, Lortel nomination); Men On Boats (Playwrights Horizons); An Octoroon (Soho Rep); Neighbors (The Public Theater); and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, which won the Tony Award for Best Play in 2015. Her plays include 2015 Kilroys’ List selection Nollywood Dreams which was presented in 2017 as part of The Cherry Lane Mentor Project, School Girls; Or The African Mean Girls Play (MCC Theater, 2017/18, Lortel Award, OCC John Gassner Award, Hull- Warriner Award, Drama Desk Nomination, Drama League Nomination, Off Broadway Alliance Nomination, Kilroys’ List 2016), African Americans (Ruby Prize Finalist 2011), Goddess (book writer) and The Ladykiller’s Love Story of which she conceived the story and wrote the libretto with music/lyrics by Cee Lo Green. She is a commissioned playwright with Manhattan Theatre Club, Atlantic Theater Company, Williamstown Theatre Festival, and Second Stage Theater. She is a resident playwright at Lincoln Center and is a Tow Foundation Playwright- in-Residence with MCC Theater for 2017–18. BA in English and Theatre from Ohio State University and MFA in Playwriting.
CloseTinashe Kajese-Bolden
Director
×TINASHE KAJESE- BOLDEN | (Director)
Originally from Zimbabwe, Tinashe was last seen in Detroit ‘67 and Proof as an actor at Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre and is honored to be returning
as a Director. She is the BOLD Artistic Director Fellow for the Alliance Theater and recent recipient of The Princess Grace Award. As a Director, previous productions include Ghost, Nick’s Flamingo Grill (Alliance Theatre) Native Gardens (Virginia Stage Company), Pipeline (Horizon Theater), Eclipsed (Synchronicity Theatre, Best Director Suzi Bass Award); Graveyard Shift (finalist for the Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition); Atlanta 24 Hour Play event with Working Title Playwrights; In The Continuum at Clark Atlanta University and Blood On A Cat’s Neck at Armory Theater.
Next she will be directing the Pulitzer Prize winning play Sweat by Lynn Nottage on the new Coca-Cola Stage at the Alliance Theater and The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison at Synchronicity Theatre. As an actor, her Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include Corum Boy, Bulrusher, Angela’s Mixed Tapes, Richard III and In the Continuum to name a few. She has worked at numerous regional theaters, as well as in TV and Film.
Quadrennial (co-design) and Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. She is the author of Visual Literacy for Theatre, a 556-page textbook on design, and a major contributor to ArtsTrends USA, a 347-page bilingual book on performance designs.
Drawing from her cross-cultural experiences, she directed many intercultural projects, which received grants from National Endowment for the Arts, the Cultural Services of French Embassy, the Georgia Humanities Council, the French Consulate in Atlanta, Confucius Institute, and The Coca- Cola Foundation.
CloseBrittany Deneen
“Nana”
×BRITTANY DENEEN | (Nana)
Brittany Deneen is so thrilled to make her debut at True Colors! As a Virginia native, Brittany took her time acclaiming to the Atlanta theatre scene. She received a BFA in Theatre Performance at Longwood University and toured nationally through Virginia Rep on Tour. Her recent credits include: Loving (Illyria Theatre Company, VA), Big River (Lyric Repertory Theatre, UT), House on Pooh Corner and A Christmas Carol (Virginia Rep). She is currently a member of Out Front Theatre Company’s inaugural improv troupe, OutProv. When Brittany is not on stage she can be found spoiling her dog Paisley. She wishes to thank her family and friends for their unwavering support and God for everything else! Hang out with Brittany in all her adventures on Instagram @brittanyydeneen.
CloseCharity Jordan
“Headmistress Francis”
×CHARITY JORDAN | (Headmistress Francis)
Charity Jordan is so honored to make her True Colors debut with this brilliant piece. She is a world-class actress with a background in drama, and a knack for comedy.
Charity is a winner of a Suzi Award for her performance in Synchronicity’s production of Eclipsed. She’s a published author of children’s books, high school Film teacher, and co-owner of ArtistDirector Media. She was a “Best Actress” nominee at the BronzeLens Film Festival, won “Best Web- Series” at BHFF, and played Viola Lee Jackson in the Oscar-nominated film Selma. Charity can be seen on NBC’s “Constantine”, on Aspire TV’s “Mommy Uncensored”, or in Amazon’s “Z… The Beginning of Everything”. Charity has graced the stages of Holland, South Africa, and Los Angeles but is excited to be back home for this amazing show. Charity says, “my spectacular daughters’ ever watching beautiful eyes make me a harder worker, a better listener, a forgiving friend, and a kinder citizen…needless to say I can’t wait until they fall asleep.”
CloseDestiny Freeman
“Ama”
×DESTINY FREEMAN | (Ama)
Destiny Freeman is excited to make her True Colors debut. She is a recent graduate of the Serenbe Playhouse Apprentice program.
Recent credits include: Journey’s End, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet (Atlanta Shakespeare Touring Company). Ragtime, Shenandoah, Titanic, and Peter Pan (Serenbe). Other favorites include: Violet (Hotel Hooker/ Lula), Comedy of Errors (Balthazar), and All New People (Emma). She wants to thank Tinashe and the entire True Colors staff for welcoming her with open arms. She also sends a special shout-out to her parents for continually supporting her dreams.
CloseEllen Ifeoluwa George
“Paulina”
×ELLEN IFEOLUWA GEORGE | (Paulina Sarpong)
Ellen Ifeoluwa George is elated to be in her first production with True Colors Theater Company. She has been cast in Intimate Apparel, King Lear, Look Homeward.
Angel, The Visit, Trojan Women, Purgatory, and For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuff. She was also in the Nollywood movie “Domino Effect”. Ellen received her B.A. in Theatre Arts at Georgia Southern University. She also got her A.A. at Georgia Perimeter College. She would like to especially thank The George Family for always believing and motivating her every day. Thank you very much. (Ese pupo!) She would also like to thank her relatives, close friends, and all Nigerian organizations for their support and love.
CloseIsake Akanke
“Gifty”
×ISAKE AKANKE | (Gifty)
Isake Akanke is excited to make her debut at True Colors Theatre and share this production with Atlanta. She earned her BFA in Acting from Southern Methodist University. Previous credits include: The Secretaries (Out Front Theatre), An Octoroon (Actor’s Express), Winnie-The-Pooh (The Alliance Theatre), Cardboard Piano (Actor’s Express), Eclipsed (Synchronicity Theatre), and Tell Me My Dream (The Alliance Theatre). She is so grateful to be able to do what she loves. Lastly, Isake thanks her family for their encouragement, support, and unconditional love.
CloseValeka Holt
“Eloise Amponsah”
×VALEKA J HOLT | (Eloise Amponsah)
Valeka J Holt is ecstatic to make her True Colors Debut! Her one woman show: I’m A Motherfuckin’ Super Star: So Where Are My Babies? has been workshopped in London at The Barbican Center, the Bridge PHL Festival in Philadelphia, and in May 2020 it will have its first full workshop performance at Synchronicity Theatre. Previous credits: Ruth in A Raisin in the Sun at Arena Stage, Penny in Father Comes Home from the Wars at Roundhouse Theatre, Nina in Sunset Baby at Rep Stage. Film Credits: Nina in The Runaways, Kaiya in First Love, Dorothy in Unordinary Love, and Officer Holt in Stockholm. Her performance as Kaiya in First Love has earned her several Best Actress Awards. Valeka earned her BA from Norfolk State University and her MFA in Acting from The University of Washington in Seattle. Always remember to manifest the life of your dreams everyday! #JESUS @valekajessica
CloseKristen Jeter
“Mercy”
×KRISTEN JETER | (Mercy)
Kristen Jeter is thrilled to be making her True Colors debut! National Tour: The Book of Mormon (Swing, u/s Nabulungi). Atlanta: Ghost (Alliance). Regional favorites include Hair (Dionne), All Shook Up (Lorraine), Little Shop of Horrors (Crystal), Nuncrackers (Sister Robert Ann). Raised in Smyrna, GA. Attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC. “Love and thanks to the Jeters for their never-ending support!”
CloseLauren Richards
“Ericka Boafo”
×LAUREN RICHARDS | (Ericka Boafo)
Lauren Richards is THRILLED to be making her stage debut at True Colors Theatre Company! In 2016, Lauren got her BFA in Acting from Elon University. From 2017- 2018, she completed an Acting Apprenticeship with the amazing Georgia Ensemble Theater where she performed in several Theater for Young Audience shows such as Miss Nelson is Missing and The Jungle Book. Lauren is represented by People Store Agency here in Atlanta where she has booked television/film and commercial credits including Venom, Doom Patrol, Sprite, and Vitamin Water. Much love to my wonderful family and friends! Enjoy! Psalms 23:6
CloseThank You to Our Restaurant Partners:Enjoy a discount at our partner restaurants with a ticket from the show!
At Gocha’s Breakfast Bar, receive 10% off your meal and receive a meal with special pricing at Baltimore Crab and Seafood.
Also, receive $5 off your ticket for School Girls with a receipt from either restaurant.*
*Only available for tickets purchased at the box office window.
Baltimore Crab and Seafood
1075 Fairburn Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30331
Directions
Website
Gocha’s Breakfast Bar
3695 Cascade Rd, Atlanta, GA 30331
Directions
Website

School Girls; or, the African Mean Girls Play | Written by Jocelyn Bioh

Designated Suzi Recommended!!!
Performances:

Wednesdays at 11:00 AM (Senior Matinee)
Thursdays at 10:30 AM (School Matinee)
Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 PM (Matinee only on Friday, March 6th)
Saturdays at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Sundays at 2:30 PM
Reviews:
TheatreBuzzAtlanta.com
ArtsATL.com
EmoryWheel.com

**Two special performances accessible for the deaf community on March 7th at 2:30 and 7:30**
The matinee and evening performances of School Girls; or the African Mean Girls Play will be interpreted for the deaf or hard of hearing on Saturday, March 7th. Special pricing and seating are available using the promo code: ASLSCHOOL

At the start of the 1986 school year, Paulina, reigning queen bee of the Aburi Boarding School, has her sights set on winning the Miss Ghana Pageant and ultimately, the Miss Global Universe Pageant. Paulina prides herself on successfully shaming her friends over their weight, hair, and status. When American transfer student Erica arrives and begins to threaten Paulina’s position atop her hive-minded friends, the power struggle begins. Colorism, classism, body shaming and more play a role in the skirmishes that ensue.
Focusing on issues that teenagers face around the globe, School Girls; or, the African Mean Girls Play is a fearless comedy that confronts our concepts of self-esteem and beauty.
Additional Programming
Community Conversation: My Black Is Beautiful
Saturday, January 11 at 11:00 AM | FREE | Carl and Mary Ware Hall – Clark Atlanta University
This inter-generational discussion will focus on beauty standards, past and present, while creating a new definition of beauty that is inclusive of all shades of skin, all body types, and all textures of hair.
Related Reading: If Pretty Hurts… by Tori Sampson
Saturday, February 1 at 7:00 PM | FREE | Southwest Arts Center
Cast Talk Back
Sunday, February 23 at 4:00 PM | FREE | Southwest Arts Center
Join us for a moderated post-show conversation with the cast. This is your chance to ask the cast your most burning questions about their experiences working on this production and to hear some unexpected stories behind its creation.
Daddy/Daughter Week | February 20 – February 22
Get one adult and one child ticket for $35 for evening shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Greek/HBCU Week | February 27 – March 1
Thursday, Feb 27 at 7:30 PM Post-Show | Cast Meet + Greet
Friday, Feb 28 – Sunday, March 1 All Performances $10 off for tickets purchased at box office
Deep Dive
Sunday, March 1 at 4:00 PM | FREE | Southwest Arts Center
Ibi Owolabi, the Dialect Coach, will talk about how she helped the cast develop Ghanaian accents for the production.
Community Panel – Access to the Arts
Saturday, March 7 at 4:00 PM | FREE | Southwest Arts Center
The arts should be accessible to everyone but sadly this is not always true, especially for those with disabilities. For youth, bullying can also sometimes play a role in hindering their access. Join us for a thought-provoking and in-depth conversation with thought leaders on this topic, immediately following the matinee performance.
Cast and Crew*Click images for bio information*

Jocelyn Bioh
Playwright
×JOCELYN BIOH | Playwright
Jocelyn Bioh (Playwright) is a Ghanaian- American writer/performer from New York City. NYC acting credits include In the Blood (Signature Theatre, Drama Desk Nomination), Everybody (Signature Theatre, Lortel nomination); Men On Boats (Playwrights Horizons); An Octoroon (Soho Rep); Neighbors (The Public Theater); and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, which won the Tony Award for Best Play in 2015. Her plays include 2015 Kilroys’ List selection Nollywood Dreams which was presented in 2017 as part of The Cherry Lane Mentor Project, School Girls; Or The African Mean Girls Play (MCC Theater, 2017/18, Lortel Award, OCC John Gassner Award, Hull- Warriner Award, Drama Desk Nomination, Drama League Nomination, Off Broadway Alliance Nomination, Kilroys’ List 2016), African Americans (Ruby Prize Finalist 2011), Goddess (book writer) and The Ladykiller’s Love Story of which she conceived the story and wrote the libretto with music/lyrics by Cee Lo Green. She is a commissioned playwright with Manhattan Theatre Club, Atlantic Theater Company, Williamstown Theatre Festival, and Second Stage Theater. She is a resident playwright at Lincoln Center and is a Tow Foundation Playwright- in-Residence with MCC Theater for 2017–18. BA in English and Theatre from Ohio State University and MFA in Playwriting.
Close

Tinashe Kajese-Bolden
Director
×TINASHE KAJESE- BOLDEN | (Director)
Originally from Zimbabwe, Tinashe was last seen in Detroit ‘67 and Proof as an actor at Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre and is honored to be returning as a Director. She is the BOLD Artistic Director Fellow for the Alliance Theater and recent recipient of The Princess Grace Award. As a Director, previous productions include Ghost, Nick’s Flamingo Grill (Alliance Theatre) Native Gardens (Virginia Stage Company), Pipeline (Horizon Theater), Eclipsed (Synchronicity Theatre, Best Director Suzi Bass Award); Graveyard Shift (finalist for the Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition); Atlanta 24 Hour Play event with Working Title Playwrights; In The Continuum at Clark Atlanta University and Blood On A Cat’s Neck at Armory Theater.
Next she will be directing the Pulitzer Prize winning play Sweat by Lynn Nottage on the new Coca-Cola Stage at the Alliance Theater and The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison at Synchronicity Theatre. As an actor, her Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include Corum Boy, Bulrusher, Angela’s Mixed Tapes, Richard III and In the Continuum to name a few. She has worked at numerous regional theaters, as well as in TV and Film.
Quadrennial (co-design) and Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. She is the author of Visual Literacy for Theatre, a 556-page textbook on design, and a major contributor to ArtsTrends USA, a 347-page bilingual book on performance designs.
Drawing from her cross-cultural experiences, she directed many intercultural projects, which received grants from National Endowment for the Arts, the Cultural Services of French Embassy, the Georgia Humanities Council, the French Consulate in Atlanta, Confucius Institute, and The Coca- Cola Foundation.
CloseBrittany Deneen
“Nana”
×BRITTANY DENEEN | (Nana)
Brittany Deneen is so thrilled to make her debut at True Colors! As a Virginia native, Brittany took her time acclaiming to the Atlanta theatre scene. She received a BFA in Theatre Performance at Longwood University and toured nationally through Virginia Rep on Tour. Her recent credits include: Loving (Illyria Theatre Company, VA), Big River (Lyric Repertory Theatre, UT), House on Pooh Corner and A Christmas Carol (Virginia Rep). She is currently a member of Out Front Theatre Company’s inaugural improv troupe, OutProv. When Brittany is not on stage she can be found spoiling her dog Paisley. She wishes to thank her family and friends for their unwavering support and God for everything else! Hang out with Brittany in all her adventures on Instagram @brittanyydeneen.
CloseCharity Jordan
“Headmistress Francis”
×CHARITY JORDAN | (Headmistress Francis)
Charity Jordan is so honored to make her True Colors debut with this brilliant piece. She is a world-class actress with a background in drama, and a knack for comedy.
Charity is a winner of a Suzi Award for her performance in Synchronicity’s production of Eclipsed. She’s a published author of children’s books, high school Film teacher, and co-owner of ArtistDirector Media. She was a “Best Actress” nominee at the BronzeLens Film Festival, won “Best Web- Series” at BHFF, and played Viola Lee Jackson in the Oscar-nominated film Selma. Charity can be seen on NBC’s “Constantine”, on Aspire TV’s “Mommy Uncensored”, or in Amazon’s “Z… The Beginning of Everything”. Charity has graced the stages of Holland, South Africa, and Los Angeles but is excited to be back home for this amazing show. Charity says, “my spectacular daughters’ ever watching beautiful eyes make me a harder worker, a better listener, a forgiving friend, and a kinder citizen…needless to say I can’t wait until they fall asleep.”
CloseDestiny Freeman
“Ama”
×DESTINY FREEMAN | (Ama)
Destiny Freeman is excited to make her True Colors debut. She is a recent graduate of the Serenbe Playhouse Apprentice program.
Recent credits include: Journey’s End, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet (Atlanta Shakespeare Touring Company). Ragtime, Shenandoah, Titanic, and Peter Pan (Serenbe). Other favorites include: Violet (Hotel Hooker/ Lula), Comedy of Errors (Balthazar), and All New People (Emma). She wants to thank Tinashe and the entire True Colors staff for welcoming her with open arms. She also sends a special shout-out to her parents for continually supporting her dreams.
CloseEllen Ifeoluwa George
“Paulina”
×ELLEN IFEOLUWA GEORGE | (Paulina Sarpong)
Ellen Ifeoluwa George is elated to be in her first production with True Colors Theater Company. She has been cast in Intimate Apparel, King Lear, Look Homeward.
Angel, The Visit, Trojan Women, Purgatory, and For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuff. She was also in the Nollywood movie “Domino Effect”. Ellen received her B.A. in Theatre Arts at Georgia Southern University. She also got her A.A. at Georgia Perimeter College. She would like to especially thank The George Family for always believing and motivating her every day. Thank you very much. (Ese pupo!) She would also like to thank her relatives, close friends, and all Nigerian organizations for their support and love.
CloseIsake Akanke
“Gifty”
×ISAKE AKANKE | (Gifty)
Isake Akanke is excited to make her debut at True Colors Theatre and share this production with Atlanta. She earned her BFA in Acting from Southern Methodist University. Previous credits include: The Secretaries (Out Front Theatre), An Octoroon (Actor’s Express), Winnie-The-Pooh (The Alliance Theatre), Cardboard Piano (Actor’s Express), Eclipsed (Synchronicity Theatre), and Tell Me My Dream (The Alliance Theatre). She is so grateful to be able to do what she loves. Lastly, Isake thanks her family for their encouragement, support, and unconditional love.
CloseValeka Holt
“Eloise Amponsah”
×VALEKA J HOLT | (Eloise Amponsah)
Valeka J Holt is ecstatic to make her True Colors Debut! Her one woman show: I’m A Motherfuckin’ Super Star: So Where Are My Babies? has been workshopped in London at The Barbican Center, the Bridge PHL Festival in Philadelphia, and in May 2020 it will have its first full workshop performance at Synchronicity Theatre. Previous credits: Ruth in A Raisin in the Sun at Arena Stage, Penny in Father Comes Home from the Wars at Roundhouse Theatre, Nina in Sunset Baby at Rep Stage. Film Credits: Nina in The Runaways, Kaiya in First Love, Dorothy in Unordinary Love, and Officer Holt in Stockholm. Her performance as Kaiya in First Love has earned her several Best Actress Awards. Valeka earned her BA from Norfolk State University and her MFA in Acting from The University of Washington in Seattle. Always remember to manifest the life of your dreams everyday! #JESUS @valekajessica
CloseKristen Jeter
“Mercy”
×KRISTEN JETER | (Mercy)
Kristen Jeter is thrilled to be making her True Colors debut! National Tour: The Book of Mormon (Swing, u/s Nabulungi). Atlanta: Ghost (Alliance). Regional favorites include Hair (Dionne), All Shook Up (Lorraine), Little Shop of Horrors (Crystal), Nuncrackers (Sister Robert Ann). Raised in Smyrna, GA. Attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC. “Love and thanks to the Jeters for their never-ending support!”
CloseLauren Richards
“Ericka Boafo”
×LAUREN RICHARDS | (Ericka Boafo)
Lauren Richards is THRILLED to be making her stage debut at True Colors Theatre Company! In 2016, Lauren got her BFA in Acting from Elon University. From 2017- 2018, she completed an Acting Apprenticeship with the amazing Georgia Ensemble Theater where she performed in several Theater for Young Audience shows such as Miss Nelson is Missing and The Jungle Book. Lauren is represented by People Store Agency here in Atlanta where she has booked television/film and commercial credits including Venom, Doom Patrol, Sprite, and Vitamin Water. Much love to my wonderful family and friends! Enjoy! Psalms 23:6
CloseThank You to Our Restaurant Partners:Enjoy a discount at our partner restaurants with a ticket from the show!
At Gocha’s Breakfast Bar, receive 10% off your meal and receive a meal with special pricing at Baltimore Crab and Seafood.
Also, receive $5 off your ticket for School Girls with a receipt from either restaurant.*
*Only available for tickets purchased at the box office window.
Baltimore Crab and Seafood
1075 Fairburn Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30331
Directions
Website
Gocha’s Breakfast Bar
3695 Cascade Rd, Atlanta, GA 30331
Directions
Website

My Black Is Beautiful to Air as Part of AIB’s Keynote Series
2020-02-17 - 2020-02-23 | GA
Our recent Community Conversation, “My Black is Beautiful”, hosted by Carl and Mary Ware Hall at Clark Atlanta University, was a vibrant and impactful inter-generational discussion focusing on beauty standards, past and present, while creating a dialogue around a new definition of beauty that is inclusive of all shades of skin, all body types, and all textures of hair.
Now featured as part of AIB’s Keynote Series, this powerful conversation can be viewed on the following dates:
February 17th at 6:00 pm
February 18th at 2:00 pm
February 20th at 11:00 pm
February 23rd at 6:00 am
The program can be viewed via the following channels:

Comcast 295
At&T U-verse 6
https://aibtv.com/aibeverywhere/

Please join us for our upcoming Community Conversations, where we highlight and celebrate Black Voices.
Our upcoming conversations can be found here: https://truecolorstheatre.org/events/community-conversations/

August Wilson Monologue Competition Atlanta Regional Finals
2020-03-06 19:30 - 21:30 UTC | The Carlyle, 1919 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30324, United States
Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company presents the 13th Annual August Wilson Monologue Competition Atlanta Regional Finals on Friday, March 6 at 7:30pm.
Event Details:
March 6th, 2020
7:30 PM
The Carlyle
1919 Piedmont Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
GET TICKETS

#SheGriots Challenge
2020-04-01 | GA
#SheGriots Challenge
We invite you to join us in celebrating She Griots! Our 2019-20 season has celebrated a number of well-known and lesser-known She Griots throughout history, but the legacy of these phenomenal women lives on through all of us. Their stories inspire us to make a difference and boldly pursue our dreams.
What is a She Griot?
Griot is defined as “a member of a class of traveling poets, musicians, and storytellers who maintain a tradition of oral history in parts of West Africa.” Our “She Griots” season celebrates Black women storytellers who continue this tradition today.
#SheGriots
THE CHALLENGE
The #SheGriots Challenge is an opportunity to boldly share your personal story as a She Griot, and encourage other She Griots in your life to boldly do the same.
How It Works
Upload a video with the hashtag #SheGriots to Facebook or Instagram, and answer 2 questions:

What does it mean to be a She Griot?
How have you been a She Griot in your own life?

When you upload your video, nominate someone to participate in the #SheGriots Challenge by tagging them in your post. Try to keep the video to no longer than 3 minutes.
We look forward to seeing your stories, and have fun!
#SheGriots
THE CHALLENGE
The #SheGriots Challenge is an opportunity to boldly share your personal story as a She Griot, and encourage other She Griots in your life to boldly do the same.
How It Works
Upload a video with the hashtag #SheGriots to Facebook or Instagram, and answer 2 questions:

What does it mean to be a She Griot?
How have you been a She Griot in your own life?

When you upload your video, nominate someone to participate in the #SheGriots Challenge by tagging them in your post and make sure to tag @truecolorstheatre so we can hear all of your beautiful stories! Try to keep the video to no longer than 3 minutes.
We look forward to seeing your stories, and have fun!
Celebrating Atlanta’s She Griots:
52 Weeks of Women
View Our 52 Weeks of WomenJoin Our Mailing ListSubscribe

True Colors Podcast
2020-04-01 - 2020-08-01 | GA
PodcastsNew Series Alert! Welcome to the brand new True Colors Podcast!!!
Every Thursday we will deliver you new content featuring artist interviews, master classes, and live Q&A sessions.https://truecolorstheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TrueColorsPodcast_Ep1.mp3https://truecolorstheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/TrueColorsPodcast2.mp3Join Our Mailing ListSubscribe

Community Conversation: Unsung Sheroes
2020-05-16 11:00 - 12:30 UTC | GA
Unsung Sheroes
Forgotten Legends and the Importance of Remembrance
Saturday, May 16, 2020
11:00AM-12:30PM
Our past is a major reflection of who we are, who we aspire to be, and who we eventually become. However, many of the people throughout history who have shaped the past have unfortunately been forgotten. Whether lost through relevance, repression, or ignorance, our sheroes deserve to be celebrated with the memories that keep them alive. We invite you to discuss some of your legends, past or present, and the impact they’ve had on your lives.
Immediately following the conversation, Artistic Director Jamil Jude will officially make the 2020-2021 Season Announcement. You don’t want to miss it!
Our Panelists:

×Clarissa Crawford
Clarissa Crawford
(Conversation moderator)
Associate Producer
Clarissa Crawford is a creative producer whose practice is shaped by the intersections of art, community, and activism. She uses her experience in project management, storytelling, and cultural organizing to curate experiences that help inform, empower, and distribute resources to artists and communities of color across the South.
She has previously worked and consulted for one of Hollywood’s top talent and literary management agencies, produced bi-coastal artist showcases between Los Angeles and New York, and executed live and digital experiences for media and entertainment entities such as Sony Pictures Entertainment, Walt Disney Studios, NBC Entertainment, and BET.
Clarissa holds a Masters in Creative Producing and Theater Management from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), and accreditation as an Independent Producer from UCLA.
CloseClarissa Crawford
(Conversation Moderator)
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×Dr. Catherine Foster Rowell
Dr. Catherine Foster Rowell
Councilwoman, City of South Fulton
Dr. Catherine Foster Rowell is the Councilwoman for District 1 of the City of South Fulton and served as the first Mayor Pro Tem. Currently, she is employed with Fulton County Schools. She has also worked in the nonprofit sector and served as Executive Director of Operation PEACE; Senior Government Grants Manager for Families First; and Senior Program Director with Enterprise Community Partners.
Additionally, she has held leadership roles in a number of public-sector consulting firms to include Beacon Analytics, the Bronner Group and MAXIMUS consulting firm. Dr. Foster Rowell is published and has served on numerous volunteer boards which include but are not limited to the Conference of Minority Public Administrators, National Forum for Black Public Administrators, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter.
Dr. Foster Rowell holds bachelor degrees in Sociology and Social Work from Cleveland State University and a Masters of Public Administration and doctorate of Political Science from Clark Atlanta University.
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×Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
122nd Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the AME Church (Retired)
Long before the Right Reverend Carolyn Tyler Guidry became the 122nd Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, she seemed destined for a life of commitment and significance to her church and her community. She was born and raised in Jackson Mississippi and came of age in the early years of the Civil Rights Movement. In 1959, Bishop Tyler Guidry began to work for Medgar Evers and the NAACP. Here she worked as the women’s voter registration chairperson for that organization. From this work Bishop Tyler Guidry worked to coordinate Freedom Rider activities between, SNCC, CORP and the NAACP out of the office of the Jackson, Mississippi NAACP.
In 1983 she was assigned to Cain Memorial A. M. E. Church in Bakersfield, California. In 1989, Rev. Carolyn Tyler was assigned to the 600 member Walker Temple A. M. E. Church in Los Angeles, California. This assignment gave her the distinction of being a trailblazer again, the first female appointed to a major metropolitan charge in the A M E Church. She was appointed as the first female Presiding Elder in the Fifth Episcopal District in 1994 and served in that capacity until elected and consecrated the 122nd AME Bishop in 2004. She was assigned Presiding Prelate to the 16th Episcopal District (including the Caribbean, Europe, Central America, and initiated the exploration of a congregation in Leon, France which now has a vibrant growing congregation. Under Bishop Tyler Guidry’s leadership, the 16th District purchased its first Episcopal Residence in Jamaica to provide a permanent home base for its bishop. She started the first Annual Christian Education Conference, and partnered with Payne Seminary in a Ministerial Training Program. Economic Development projects, seeded through her, were established in all conferences in the 16th District. In 2008 Bishop Tyler Guidry was assigned to the Eighth Episcopal District, comprising Mississippi and Louisiana.
The Right Rev. Carolyn Tyler Guidry received her Associate of Arts Degree in Business and Secretarial Science from J. P. Campbell College in Jackson, MS, and she studied Economics at Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, MS. She is also a graduate of the Fuller Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts in Theology.
She was awarded an honorary degree, The Doctor of Humane Letters, by Payne Theological Seminary in 2009, and she was included in the archives of the HistoryMakers in 2004. In April, 2011 the Right Rev. Carolyn Tyler Guidry was inducted into the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Board of Preachers at Morehouse College. The Turner Seminary presented her The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. Carolyn Eujean Jackson Tyler Guidry is the mother of five sons and one daughter, thirteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
CloseBishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
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×Gocha Hawkins
Gocha Hawkins
Business Owner and Celebrity Hairstylist
Gocha Hawkins is an author, TV personality, salon owner and hairstylist to stars such as Nicki Minaj, Kandi Burruss, Serena Williams, Beyonce and more. A few years ago, Hawkins opened Gocha’s Breakfst Bar in South Atlanta with the community in mind. The restaurant has quickly turned into a key destination for customers looking for a premier dining experience in Atlanta.
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×Dr. Calinda Lee
Dr. Calinda Lee
Vice President of Historical Interpretation and Community Partnerships
Atlanta History Center
Educated at Spelman College (BA), New York University (MA) and Emory University (MA and PhD), Calinda N. Lee serves the executive team as historian for the Atlanta History Center. In this role, she considers historical interpretation for all aspects of the region’s past to develop the AHC’s primary collections, historic houses, historic gardens, and public programs. As a scholar and administrator, she has held teaching and administrative positions at Emory University, Loyola University Chicago and Spelman College. A prolific practitioner, she has developed projects for institutions including the Albuquerque Museum, the City Museum of Washington, DC, the Maryland Museum for African American Life and History, the Chicago History Museum, Emory University, and others.
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Marie and Rosetta
2020-06-16 - 2020-07-12 | Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA, 30331, United States
True Colors Theatre Company set out to celebrate Black women playwrights, directors, actors and designers with our 2019-2020 SheGriots season. Due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the primary interest of ensuring the health and safety of our True Colors family, we must postpone our final production of the season – Marie and Rosetta by George Brant. Effective immediately, tickets to the production will no longer be offered for sale. We will be reaching out individually to those who have already invested funds, time and tickets in the production with further information. We will conclude our She Griots season when global health conditions allow us to resume operations.
We hope that you will stay connected with us at our website, through our newsletters and on Facebook and Instagram, where we will continue to hear, celebrate and uplift Black voices. ×Marie and Rosetta | Written by George Brant
The Godmother of Rock ‘n Roll, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, shattered every barrier that faced her as she made her mark on the music world in the 40s. Marie and Rosetta chronicles her journey with young gospel singer Marie Knight, whom she recruited away from Mahalia Jackson. Despite being forced by Jim Crow laws to lodge and rehearse in funeral homes and other unpleasant accommodations while on the road, Marie and Rosetta stunned the world with their music and formed an everlasting relationship that continues to inspire the world.
Adding a little bit of sass to traditional gospel, this play with music sheds light on “invisible” Black performers in the South and the legacies they left behind.
Cast and Crew

George Brant
Playwright
Andrea Frye
Director
S. Renee Clark
Music Director

Community Conversation: Out Of The Shadows
2020-09-12 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | GA
Out of the Shadows:
Access to the Arts for Southern Black LGBTQ
Saturday, September 12, 2020
7:00PM-8:30PM
Join us for the first Community Conversation of our Joy and Pain season at True Colors Theatre, viewable virtually from the comfort of your home! Out of the Shadows: Access to the Arts for Southern Black LGBTQ, presented in partnership with The Counter Narrative Project, will discuss the barriers to the arts that many Black, LGBTQ artists continue to face in today’s American South, as well as the bold and brave stories of overcoming these obstacles. This panel discussion will feature a number of distinguished Black, LGBTQ voices, moderated by True Colors’ Connectivity Director, Brandall Jones.
Our Panelists:

×Kelsey Alexandria
Kelsey Alexandria
Director/Choreographer, Teacher, and Performer
Kelsey Alexandria is the founder and creative director of the black and LGBTQ media organization, The BlackOUT Company. She has been nationally awarded at the Kennedy Center for her direction of An Octoroon, She Kills Monsters, and Hir. Some of her favorite acting highlights include Roxie Hart in Chicago, Sylvia in Game of Love and Chance, and Cassandra in Vanya. Kelsey’s love of art and activism fuels her work in education, theatre, philanthropy. Her future endeavors can be found on www.thebocompany.com.
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×Charles Stephens
Charles Stephens
Founder and Executive Director, Counter Narrative Project (CNP)
Charles Stephens is the Founder and Executive Director of the Counter Narrative Project (CNP). An Atlanta native, he has been committed to developing innovative community engagement initiatives, piloting programs, and leadership within the racial justice, HIV justice, and LGBTQ+ justice movements. Past honors include: Georgia State University College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Alumni Award, Gentlemen Foundation Gentleman of the Year Service Award, Arcus Leadership Fellowship, and the Rockwood Leadership Institute Fellow for Racial and Gender Justice Leaders in the HIV/AIDS Movement. His writings have appeared in The Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Georgia Voice, Atlanta Magazine, and The Advocate.
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×Tracee McDaniel
Tracee McDaniel
Trans Human Rights Advocate and Author
Trans Human Rights Advocate and published author Tracee McDaniel is motivated by a strong desire to ensure that all Trans and Gender Non-Conforming people also receive equity, justice, civil and human rights protections. Tracee was born and raised in South Carolina. Tracee became the first Trans person invited in 2007 to deliver a key-note speech at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. birthday celebration march and rally. Almost a decade later in 2015 she was invited to brief the White House Washington’s “Trans Women of Color Women History Month Briefing” on Employment and Economic Equity and how those inequities affect Trans Women of Color. In 2013 Tracee published “Transitions-Memoirs of a Transsexual Woman”, which chronicled her unordinary life growing up Trans in the South and then eventually in 1990 escaping to Los Angeles, CA from a domestically violent intimate partner relationship. “Transitions” also details her evolution working in the corporate world by day and effortlessly transitioning into her performance artist Alter-Ego Destiny Your Mistress of Illusions by night to make ends meet, by being in the right place at the right time to be a featured background singer for living legend and Icon Diana Ross’ in her music video “I Will Survive” and also making a featured appearance in Television Miniseries “The Jackson’s-An American Dream”. Currently, after retiring from organizing Atlanta’s annual Trans Day of Remembrance Vigils for ten years, Tracee is serving on Trans Housing Atlanta Program’s Board of Directors, Center for Civil and Human Rights TLGB Advisory Board and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottom’s TLGBQI Advisory Council. Conclusively, Tracee always and unapologetically puts the “T” first.
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×Travis Payne
Travis Payne
Director, Choreographer, Producer
Travis Payne, Director/Choreographer/Producer, is an innovator of stage and screen. Twice nominated for the EMMY AWARD and winner of three MTV AWARDS for best choreography. Payne got his big break as a dancer on Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 World Tour. After dancing and choreographing for Michael Jackson’s Dangerous and HIStory World Tours, Payne served as Associate Director, Producer and Choreographer for Michael Jackson’s “THIS IS IT” concert and documentary film. The documentary is recognized by Guinness as the highest grossing concert documentary film in history. Guinness also recognizes Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson’s “SCREAM” (co-choreographed by Payne), as the most expensive music video of all time.CloseTravis Payne
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Community ConversationBlack Branding
2020-10-03 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | GA
Black Branding: The Fight for Dignified Representation
A timely conversation on the representation of the Black community in today’s media landscape.
Saturday, October 3, 2020
7:00PM-8:30PM
Location: Facebook Live and YouTube Live
What is the role of marketing and branding in shaping perceptions of African-American individuals and culture? Join us for a virtual dialogue between cultural branding experts, Roy Broderick, Jr. and Nikki Barjon on the portrayal of the Black community through images and the media in today’s complex American cultural environment. They will also discuss the various ways in which they attempt to shape and influence the Black narrative to non-Black audiences, and the power of images to tell a dignified story of the Black experience. Broderick, the President and CEO of Authentique Agency, and Barjon, the Managing Director of The Brandshoppe and the Founder of Crownville, are both leaders in the industries of branding and marketing with decades of experience representing and serving top film studios, television networks, cultural museums, celebrity artists, and public figures. True Colors is proud to present this timely conversation in partnership with the Goizueta Business School at Emory University.
The conversation will be streamed live through the True Colors Theatre Facebook page and YouTube Live.
WATCH THE REPLAYOur Panelists:

×Nikki Barjon
Nikki Barjon
Managing Director, The Brandshoppe
Founder, Crownville
Nikki Barjon is one of the leading branding and crisis specialists in the nation. As Managing Director of the purpose-driven, creative agency, The Brandshoppe, Nikki is credited with shaping some of the biggest voices, campaigns and brands of our time. She is a trusted advisor to top corporations, non-profit organizations and celebrity figures, including Tip “T.I.” Harris, Martin Luther King III, Ford Motors, Bentley Motors, the National Black Arts Festival, and The Bob Marley Foundation. Barjon serves her all of her clients with one goal in mind…to help them better utilize their brand for good.CloseNikki Barjon
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×Roy Broderick, Jr.
Roy Broderick, Jr.
President and CEO, Authentique Agency
Roy Broderick, Jr. is the Founder of Intuition Consulting and President and CEO of Authentique Agency, which is a full service marketing firm in Atlanta, Georgia that specializes in creating marketing campaigns that reflect the authentic multicultural and LGBTQ experience. He is widely known as a marketing genius. Throughout his impressive career, Broderick has worked with a number of influential companies, such as Coca-Cola and AT & T, but also many arts-focused organizations and companies, such as MTV Networks, VH1 Networks, Turner Entertainment Networks, Columbia Pictures, Marvel, ScreenGems, Tyler Perry Studios, United Way of Greater Atlanta, and the National Museum of African American Music, to name a few. Roy is also on the Board of Trustees for Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company.CloseRoy Broderick, Jr.
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Our Sponsor:Use this button to RSVP! Although an RSVP is not completely necessary since we have decided to stream the event through Facebook and YouTube, we realize that some of our patrons may prefer it.

Community ConversationNext Gen Playwrights
2020-11-21 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | GA
Next Gen Playwrights: Beyond the Struggle
Saturday, November 21st, 2020
7:00PM-8:30PM
Location: Streamed Live on the True Colors YouTube channel
Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company, in partnership with Working Title Playwrights, brings to you Next Gen Playwrights: Beyond the Struggle, a timely Community Conversation on the narratives being shaped by emerging BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) playwrights in the Atlanta community. Presented by the City of South Fulton Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, this conversation will be moderated by award-winning author and playwright, Pearl Cleage (Blues for an Alabama Sky, Flyin’ West).
WATCH REPLAY ON YOUTUBEAfter watching, be sure to complete our brief survey!In addition to the TCTC YouTube channel, the event will be viewable via the City of South Fulton’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs’ Facebook at @SouthFultonPRCA.
Our Panelists:

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Clarissa Crawford
True Colors’ Associate Producer
Clarissa Crawford is a creative producer whose practice is shaped by the intersections of art, community, and activism. She uses her experience in project management, storytelling, and cultural organizing to curate experiences that help inform, empower, and distribute resources to artists and communities of color across the South.
She has previously worked and consulted for one of Hollywood’s top talent and literary management agencies, produced bi-coastal artist showcases between Los Angeles and New York, and executed live and digital experiences for media and entertainment entities such as Sony Pictures Entertainment, Walt Disney Studios, NBC Entertainment, and BET.
Clarissa holds a Masters in Creative Producing and Theater Management from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), and accreditation as an Independent Producer from UCLA.CloseClarissa Crawford (Host)
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Pearl Cleage
Pearl Cleage is an Atlanta based writer, currently Distinguished Artist in Residence at the Tony Award winning Alliance Theatre. Her new play Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous, had its world premiere as a part of the theatre’s 50th anniversary season in 2019 and is scheduled for productions around the country when the theatres reopen next year. Her other plays premiered at the Alliance include Pointing at the Moon, What I Learned in Paris, Blues for an Alabama Sky, and Flyin’ West, the most produced new play in the country in 1994. Her play The Nacirema Society Requests the Honor of Your Presence at a Celebration of Their First One Hundred Years was commissioned by the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and co-produced with the Alliance in Montgomery and Atlanta in 2010. Her first play for young audiences, Tell Me My Dream, was commissioned and produced by the Alliance in 2015. Her book for children, co-authored with her husband, writer Zaron W. Burnett with illustrations by Radcliffe Bailey was a part of the Mayor’s Reading Club in 2018 and distributed free to 15,000 Atlanta children. It was presented at the Alliance as a play for the very young in March, 2020 and is currently streaming through the Alliance website. Cleage recently completed work on Sit-In, an animated film for young audiences about the sit-in movement in conjunction with Picture the Dream, a national exhibition sponsored by Scholastic Books, currently on view at the High Museum. Blues for An Alabama Sky was included in the 1996 Olympic Arts Festival and has been produced in multiple American theatres every year since it premiered at the Alliance in 1995. The Alliance included a 20th anniversary production in their 2015 season, directed by Susan V. Booth. The play ran off Broadway at the Keen Company in New York in 2020 and is scheduled for a production at the National Theatre in London in 2021. Some of her other plays include Late Bus to Mecca, Bourbon at the Border and A Song for Coretta. She recently completed her first Radio play, Digging in the Dark, for the Keen Company’s 2021 season.
Her first of 8 novels, What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day, was an Oprah Book Club pick and spent nine weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Her other novels include Baby Brother’s Blues, which received an NAACP Image Award for Literature, I Wish I Had A Red Dress, Babylon Sisters, and Things I Never Thought I’d Do. Her memoir, Things I Should Have Told My Daughter: Lies, Lessons and Love Affairs, was published by Simon and Schuster/ATRIA Books in April, 2014. She is also the co-author with her husband, writer Zaron W. Burnett, Jr., of We Speak Your Names, a praise poem commissioned by Oprah Winfrey for her 2005 Legends Weekend, and A 21st Century Freedom Song: For Selma at 50, commissioned by Winfrey for the 50th anniversary of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March. Cleage and Burnett are frequent collaborators including their award-winning ten-year performance series, “Live at Club Zebra!” featuring their work as writers and performance artists. Cleage was awarded the Governor’s Award for the Arts in 2018. She received an Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts from her alma mater, Spelman College, in 2010 and spent two years as a member of the Spelman faculty. She was the founding editor of CATALYST Magazine, an Atlanta-based literary journal, for ten years and served as Artistic Director of Just Us Theater Company for five years. Her work has been given grant support through the National Endowment for the Arts, the Fulton County Arts Council, the Georgia Council for the Arts, the City of Atlanta Bureau of Cultural Affairs, and the Coca-Cola Foundation.
ClosePearl Cleage (Moderator)
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Dana Stringer
Website: www.danastringer.com
Dana L. Stringer is a commissioned playwright, poet, screenwriter, and writing instructor with a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Antioch University Los Angeles. She currently serves as an adjunct instructor in the inspiration2publication program for the Continuing Education Program at Antioch University Online. Her course offerings and workshops have included: Transforming Poetry into Theatre: Adapting Poems for the Stage, Writing a Producible One-Act, Mask Appeal: Creating Compelling Persona Poems, and Turning Thoughts, Memories, and Life Experiences into Poetry. Dana is the author of the poetry chapbook, In Between Faith. Her poetry has also appeared in the African American Review, Rogue Agent, and Blackberry: a magazine. She is a member of the Dramatist Guild and Working Title Playwrights. Her most recent play, We the Village, was selected for Theatrical Outfit’s Made in Atlanta new play development program and the Unexpected Play Festival (2020), as well as Working Title Playwright’s First Light Series (2018). Some of her latest short works have been virtually presented by Alabama Shakespeare Festival, The Billie Holiday Theatre, Out of Hand Theater, and Black Theatre Network. A combination of her produced plays, staged readings, and interdisciplinary art have been presented by Theatrical Outfit, Vanguard Repertory Company, Ain’t I a Woman Playfest, Blue Pearl Theatrics, National Black Theatre Festival, Fade to Black Play Festival, MoJo Fest, Coleman & Smith Artistic Company, and NAACP 10-Minute Play Festival. Dana is a native of Louisville, Kentucky currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Suehyla El-Attar
Work: Click Here
Twitter: @Suehyla
Instagram: @suehylaelattar
Suehyla El-Attar is an award-winning actor and playwright based in Atlanta, GA, with an acting career spanning over 20 years and a 15-year writing career.
She’s worked in multiple theatres across the Atlanta area in various capacities, including but not limited to: The Alliance Theatre, Horizon Theatre, Synchronicity Theatre, Essential Theatre Company, Dad’s Garage, and 7 Stages. Suehyla is a first-generation-born-in-America, Egyptian Muslim who was raised in Mississippi — most of her fodder for writing is an unfair advantage. She’s continues writing, is a teaching theatre artist, an up and coming stage director, and a SAG-AFTRA actor in film/tv. She lives happily with her guy and their two cats in Decatur.
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Paris Crayton III
Website: www.ParisCrayton3.com
Paris Crayton III is an award-winning playwright, actor, and director. He has written over 50 plays, 21 of which have been produced around the country. He was one of ArtsATL’s “30 under 30” and one of the Atlanta Journal Constitution “Artist to Watch.” Creative Loafing named him 2014’s “Best Local Playwright.” Critics have called him “a powerful dramatist” and praised him as “One of the most important playwrights of our time.” His plays have been presented and/or workshopped by The Lark, Classical Theatre of Harlem, Aurora Theatre, Clark University, Working Title Playwrights, Stage Door Players, Rising Sage Theatre, 3 Hill Productions, Atlanta Black Theatre Festival, Beth Marshall Presents, Indianapolis Fringe Festival and more.
CloseParis Crayton III
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Use this button to RSVP! Although an RSVP is not completely necessary since we have decided to stream the event through Facebook and YouTube, we realize that some of our patrons may prefer it.
Our Partners:Our Sponsor:True Colors’ Community Conversation series is proudly sponsored by Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner.

Frame of Mind
2020-12-04 20:00 - 22:00 UTC | GA
Frame of Mind
A peaceful protest takes a violent turn, and witnesses must piece together the frame of mind of the accused in hopes of finding closure.
Friday, December 4, 2020
8:00 PM
Location: YouTube Live
Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company’s Fall 2020 internship class presents, Frame of Mind, a devised compilation of the work culminating the new Digital Playmaking Internship. After ten weeks of meetings, classes, guest artists and creating, these talented individuals, from across the US, will present their work to our True Colors Theatre family. There is suspense, emotion and entertainment as we tell those stories that are TRUE to YOU. This year’s internship class is comprised of students from Howard University, Emory University, Clayton State University and University of Oklahoma. All would love to have you join for 75 minutes of storytelling at its best. Log on and be a part of the experience. For more information, visit us at truecolorstheatre.org or register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/frame-of-mind-tickets-130320639541
Watch the Replay

Black Theatre and the Black Lives Matter Movement
2021-01-23 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | GA
Black Theatre and the Black Lives Matter Movement
Date: Saturday, January 23, 2021
Time: 7:00PM-8:30PM
Location:
TCTC Facebook Live and YouTube Live
Presented in partnership with B.L.A.C.T ATL, Inc. (Black Leaders Advocating Cultural Theatre), Black Theatre and the Black Lives Matter Movement will center on the role of black theatre companies in shaping, influencing, and amplifying the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as the role that black theatre companies, such as New Federal Theatre and the Negro Ensemble Company, have historically played in giving a voice to civil rights and other black-related issues. Arts leader Vivian Phillips, Co-Founder of The Hansberry Project, will lead this timely Community Conversation, which is the kickoff for a new series of impactful events, called The Drinking Gourd, with The Hansberry Project.
The conversation will be streamed live through the True Colors Theatre Facebook page and YouTube Live.
WATCH THE REPLAYOur Panelists:

×Vivian Phillips (Moderator)
Vivian Phillips is a Seattle-based communications professional and arts leader who with Valerie Curtis-Newton, co-founded The Hansberry Project in 2005, and served as Managing Director for the first 5 years of operation. She has produced theatre and led marketing efforts for Seattle presentations of Bring In Da Noise/Bring In Da Funk, FELA!, Dance Theatre of Harlem and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. Vivian represented the Seattle Theatre Group to the Africa Contemporary Arts Consortium bringing African contemporary dance to Seattle for over 10 years. She regularly moderates live conversations and lists among the most notable – Congressman John Lewis, Gloria Steinem, Jesmyn Ward, Terry McMillan, Charles Johnson, Danny Glover, Alice Walker, Ta-Nehesi Coates and the parents of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown. Vivian is a former Chair of the Seattle Arts Commission where she led efforts to secure increased municipal funding for attaining equity in the arts. She currently serves on the boards of KUOW Radio (local NPR affiliate), the University of Washington Foundation, and is the incoming Chair of 4Culture, the Martin Luther King, Jr. County cultural services agency.
*Bio Image by Jerry and Lois Photography
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×Woodie King, Jr.
Woodie King, Jr. founded New Federal Theatre in 1970. He began his professional career in 1965 as Cultural Arts Director for Mobilization for Youth. As Director of New Federal Theatre, Mr. King has produced over 400 plays by the most important writers in theatre, including LeRoi Jones’ (Amiri Baraka) A Recent Killing, Ed Bullins’ The Taking of Miss Janie (Drama Critics’ Circle Award), J.E. Franklin’s Drama Desk Award-winning Black Girl, Ntozake Shange’s Tony-nominated For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf, and David Henry Hwang’s The Dance and the Railroad. Mr. King is an acclaimed director who has directed productions for regional theatres throughout the U.S. He directed Checkmates by Ron Milner for ETA Chicago, Inner City Cultural Center, Westwood Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles (winner of the NAACP Image Award, Best Director), Jomandi Theatre in Atlanta, Waterfront Theatre San Francisco, Arena Stage in Washington, DC; and on Broadway starring Denzel Washington and Ruby Dee. Mr. King also directed James Weldon Johnson’s adaptation of God’s Trombone for the Shubert Theatre in Philadelphia, The Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC and New Federal Theatre in NYC. He has directed off-Broadway and in resident theatres. Mr. King is the recipient of the AUDELCO Award for Best Director for Robert Johnson: Trick the Devil by Bill Harris and Appear and Show Cause by Steve Taylor. A writer, editor, drama critic and teacher, Mr. King has taught at Yale University, Columbia University, Oberlin College, and Penn State University.
Mr. King is the recipient of an Obie Award for Sustained Achievement, and Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Wayne State University, a Doctorate of Fine Arts from the College of Wooster, and a Doctorate of Humane Letters from John Jay College (CUNY), a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Lehman College. He was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in January, 2012; in 2013 he received the Edwin Booth Award; and in 2016, he received the Ida B. Wells Award from the National Conference of Black Writers.
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×Stephanie S. Hughley
Stephanie S. Hughley is currently a Performing Arts Consultant specializing in relationship building and developing unique collaborative partnerships with public and private, for profit and non-profit individuals and organizations.
She began her career in the arts as a professional dancer and danced her way to New York in 1974 where she transitioned from dance into the theatrical community. Her work in the New York Theater and as a member of the Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers (ATPAM) included more than 20 years as a General and Company Manager for Broadway, off-Broadway, National and International Touring Companies. She worked in the offices of The Negro Ensemble Company (NEC), Iron Mountain Productions (Manny Azenberg), The NY Shakespeare Festival/Public Theater (Joseph Papp), Theatre Management Associates (Ashton Springer), and Urban Arts Corps (Vinnette Carroll), and managed many shows including: First Breeze of Summer, A Soldiers Play, Bubblin’ Brown Sugar, A Lesson from Aloes, Guys & Dolls, Ain’t Misbehavin’, For Colored Girls…, Eubie, and Your Arms Too Short to Box with GOD, to name a few. In 1988 as the first Artistic Director, together with her team, conceptualized and created the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta, GA and returned several years later to become the Festival’s Executive Producer. In 1992, she became the Producer of Theater and Dance for the Cultural Olympiad of the Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA. From 1995-99 and again from 2009-2011 she was the Vice President of Programming for the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) and most recently served as Vice President of Education, Humanities, BAM Cinema & Cinématek at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM).
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×Jonathan McCrory
Jonathan McCrory is a two-time Obie Award-winning, Craine’s New York Business 2020 Notable LGBTQ Leader. As a Harlem-based artist, he served as Artistic Director at National Black Theatre since 2012 under the leadership of CEO, Sade Lythcott. As Artistic Director (Creative Duala), he is the creative heart of the institution helping to select, develop and manage acclaimed programs and productions, such as The Peculiar Patriot and Kill Move Paradise. His creative force also helped the theatre expand its reach with the creation of the National Black Theatre of Sweden. As a director, he has helmed numerous productions including Dead and Breathing, HandsUp, and Blacken The Bubble and devised works like Hope Speaks, Evoking Him: Baldwin and Emergence: A Communion (based on Adrienne Marie Brown’s book Emergent Strategy). A Washington, DC native, McCrory attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts and earned his BFA from New York University Tisch School of the Arts.
Handles:
@Natblacktheatre (National Black Theatre)
@Jaymc86 (Jonathan)
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×Marcus Hopkins-Turner
Marcus Hopkins-Turner is a native of Atlanta, GA and graduate of Morehouse College where he received his bachelors in vocal performance. The father of two has been a constant presence on the Atlanta theatre scene for the past five years. His career has included performances as Hotep in Tuacahn Amphitheater’s production of Prince of Egypt, Crown in Red Mountain Theatre’s Porgy and Bess, Troy Maxson in Springer Opera House’s production of Fences and Topper in the Alliance Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol. As a cofounder of B.L.A.C.T. ATL Inc, Marcus is an advocate for black theatre performers in the city and promoter of artist led community service.
Handles:
@blactatl
@blackactordad
www.blactatl.com
www.blackactordad.com
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×Alexis Woodard
Alexis Woodard is an Atlanta-based Director, proud Spelman College Alumna and current Spelman Leadership Fellow at the Alliance Theatre. Her Directing Credits include: Romeo + Juliet, Eurydice (Spelman College), Finished What We Started (Morehouse College), as well as assistant directing for Hands of Color (Synchronicity Theatre), Hamlet (The Tiny Theater Company), A Kids Play About Racism (Bay Area Children’s Theatre), and the developmental workshop of Seize the King Workshop (Alliance Theatre). Upcoming Credits include: Associate Director for A Christmas Carol: The Live Radio Play (Alliance Theatre), Assistant Director for Marie and Rosetta (True Colors Theatre), Co-Director for Hands Up (Alliance Theatre), and Co-Director for Othello (The Tiny Theatre Company). She is proud to have had the opportunity to intern at both Synchronicity Theatre and True Colors Theatre during her time at Spelman and is thrilled to be back at True Colors and to be a part of this incredible panel!
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×Britny Horton
Britny J. Horton is an art-ivist from Rochester, NY. Upon graduating from Spelman College and the British American Drama Academy, Britny began working for theaters and film and tv productions across the country. Britny worked as a Casting Associate for five years before pursuing her MFA at the University of Iowa (’21). Britny is dedicated to her training and considers it an honor to explore and refine her art. Her most recent credits include Hit the Wall (University of Iowa), SWEAT (University of Iowa) Men on Boats (Riverside Theatre), and Too Heavy for Your Pocket (Pyramid Theatre), YesToday (film), Incensed (Film), and Lights On (Film). In 2020, she produced the first film under her production company Curvy Confidence. In 2019, Britny won the Best Actress in a Play Award from Broadway World Des Moines for her portrayal of Evelyn in Too Heavy for Your Pocket. She recently launched a body-positivity podcast named Curvy Confidence. It is her goal to use her art to spread body-positive messages by playing and creating roles that challenge the standards of beauty and further incite the empowerment of black women.
Website: www.britnyhorton.com
Instagram: @britnyjevonnahorton
Clubhouse: @brithorton
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Our Sponsor:

Art Meets Activism: John Lewis, C.T. Vivian, and The Baptism
2021-03-07 15:00 - 17:00 UTC | GA
Art Meets Activism:
John Lewis, C.T. Vivian, and The Baptism
A special event commemorating the 56th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement’s Bloody Sunday
Sunday, March 7, 2021, 3:00PM
Location: Streaming Live on Multiple Platforms (Links Forthcoming)
Panelists:

Dr. Francine Allen-Adams, Emory University James Weldon Johnson Fellow and Associate Professor of English, Morehouse College
Dr. Vicki Crawford (moderator), Director of the Morehouse College King Papers
Dr. Doris Derby, Civil Rights documentary photographer, author, and co-founder of Free Southern Theater
Dr. Andra Gillespie, Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of the James Weldon Johnson Institute, Emory University
Carl Rux, Writer, Actor, creator of “The Baptism”

Join us for Art Meets Activism: John Lewis, C.T. Vivian, and The Baptism, a special event commemorating the 56th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement’s Bloody Sunday and the critical role of youth and art in the movement. Presented by Emory University, Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection at Morehouse College in partnership with Lincoln Center, this event will feature a film screening of The Baptism, a visual poem by Carl Hancock Rux and Carrie Mae Weems, with a panel conversation of distinguished scholars, activists and artists, followed by a Q and A.
The Baptism visual poem and interview with Carl Hancock Rux conducted by Carrie Mae Weems were commissioned by and are presented courtesy of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
For more information about Lincoln Center, subscribe to the email list here or visit lincolncenter.org.
RESERVE YOUR SPOTOur Panelists:

×Dr. Vicki Crawford (Moderator)
Dr. Vicki Crawford (Moderator)
Endowed Chair of Civil and Human Rights, Morehouse College
Executive Director of the Office of the Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection
Dr. Vicki Crawford is Endowed Chair of Civil and Human Rights and Executive Director of the Office of the Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection. In this position, she develops campus-based programming and community outreach initiatives that advance the teachings and nonviolent philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In addition, she serves on the curatorial committee at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights which has oversight for rotating thematic exhibits of the King papers.
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×Dr. Francine L. Allen-Adams
Dr. Francine L. Allen-Adams
James Weldon Johnson Institute Fellow
Emory University
Dr. Francine L. Allen-Adams is a fellow with the James Weldon Johnson Institute at Emory University where she is working on two manuscript projects and teaching a course entitled Faith, White Abolitionists, and the Black Church: The Literary Artist during Reconstruction. She is also an Associate Professor of English at Morehouse College. As an African Americanist and literary scholar, she explores generally the intersection between theology and literature. In her current research, she has been examining the semiological import of the Black Church in literature written during Reconstruction. The latest essay written by Dr. Adams is entitled “Let Them be Black and Beautiful: A Black Southerner’s Grasp at Self-Respect in C. Eric Lincoln’s The Avenue, Clayton City.” It was published in the 2019 print issue of the North Carolina Literary Review and explores faith and race in the only novel written by C. Eric Lincoln, a former Duke University Professor of Religion and Culture and a former professor at Clark Atlanta University.
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×Dr. Doris Derby
Dr. Doris Derby
Administrator, Professor, Documentary Photographer, Speaker, and Author
Dr. Doris Derby is an administrator, professor, documentary photographer, speaker, and author who earned her Bachelor of Arts from Hunter College in New York, and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana. She was a Freedom rider and one of the New York SNCC (Student Non -violent Coordinating Committee) organizers of the March on Washington in 1963. She worked in Albany, Georgia, where among other things, she single-handedly integrated St. Pauls’ Episcopal Church, the summer of 1962.
After teaching elementary school in Yonkers, New York, Dr. Derby joined the Civil Rights movement in Mississippi and Alabama, for nine years, to work with grassroots organizers in black communities and take steps to impact societal change. While there she was a pioneer in pre-school and adult literacy initiatives, in developing cooperatives for economic development, in founding the Free Southern Theater, and in being a member of Southern Media, Inc. a documentary and photography and filmmaking group. She also worked at the Margaret Walker Center, of Jackson State University, and Tougaloo College, both HBCUs.
As a ten-year civil rights movement veteran (1962–1972), her work has been recognized in several publications, documentaries, and online publications. Dr. Derby is a contributor to “Hands on the Freedom Plow,” a book that contains fifty SNCC women’s contributions to the civil rights movement. Her new book is entitled, POETAGRAPHY: Artistic Reflections of a Mississippi Lifeline in Words and Images: 1963-1972. It contains a combination of the poetry and documentary photographs she created while working in Mississippi. Her second book, PATCHWORK: (PPP) Paintings, Poetry and Prose; Art and Activism in the Civil Rights Movement, 1960 – 1972, is forthcoming Spring 2021.
From 1990 until her retirement in 2012, Dr. Derby was Georgia State University’s founding Director of African American Student Services and Programs and an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Anthropology Department. While there her initiatives impacted the lives of thousands of students here and abroad. In 2011, Dr. Derby was honored with the Georgia Humanities Award by the Governor of Georgia for her work and for her photographs depicting the life of struggling Americans who defied the post-emancipation status quo brought about by political, economic, social, and cultural domination and exploitation.
Dr. Derby’s images have been shown in numerous museums, galleries, universities, and websites including the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, the Krannert Art Museum in Illinois, the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, the Rose Library of Emory University, in Atlanta, the Art Gallery of Jackson State University, the City Museum in Montpellier, France, the Turner Contemporary Art Museum in Margate, England, the Photographers Gallery and the Website of Appollo Magazine, in London, England. Dr. Derby resides in Atlanta with her husband, retired Army Veteran, and actor, Bob Banks. They are both active in their community.
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×Dr. Andra Gillespie
Dr. Andra Gillespie
Associate Professor of Political Science
Director of the James Weldon Johnson Institute for the Study of Race and Difference
Emory University
Dr. Andra Gillespie is Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of the James Weldon Johnson Institute for the Study of Race and Difference at Emory University. She earned her Ph.D. in Political Science from Yale University. Gillespie teaches courses on American politics, race and politics and qualitative methodology. Her research focuses on the political leadership of the post-civil rights generation. In particular, she studies African American politicians who attempt to transcend race and how Black voters respond to them. She is the author of The New Black Politician: Cory Booker, Newark and Post-Racial America (2012) and Race and Obama Administration: Symbols, Substance and Hope (2019). She is also the editor of Whose Black Politics? Cases in Post-Racial Black Leadership (2010). In addition, she is an active public scholar whose interviews and op-eds have appeared in numerous local, national and/or international media outlets.
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×Carl Hancock Rux
Carl Hancock Rux
Poet, Playwright, Novelist, Essayist, Actor, Director, Singer / Songwriter
Carl Hancock Rux is an American poet, playwright, novelist, essayist, actor, director, singer/ songwriter. He is the author of several books including the Village Voice Literary Prize-winning “Pagan Operetta,” the novel, Asphalt, and the Obie Award-winning play, Talk. Rux is also a singer/songwriter with four CDs to his credit, as well as a frequent collaborator in the fields of dance, theater, film, and contemporary art . Notable collaborators include Nona Hendryx, Toshi Reagon, Bill T. Jones, Ronald K. Brown, Nick Cave, Anne Bogart, Robert Wilson, Kenny Leon, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Jonathan Demme, Stanley Nelson Jr., Carrie Mae Weems, Glenn Ligon and others. He is the recipient of numerous awards including the Doris Duke Award for New Works, the Doris Duke Charitable Fund, the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) Prize, the Bessie Award and the Alpert Award in the Arts, and a 2019 Global Change Maker award by WeMakeChange.Org. His archives are housed at the Billy Rose Theater Division of the New York Public Library, the Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution as well as the Film and Video/Theater and Dance Library of the California Institute of the Arts. Mr. Rux is a co-Artistic Director of Mabou Mines.
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Our Sponsors:Use this button to RSVP! Although an RSVP is not completely necessary since we have decided to stream the event, we realize that some of our patrons may prefer it.

Marie and Rosetta
2021-11-30 | GA
CANCELLATION NOTICE
Due to current conditions and heightened risk factors associated with increasing COVID-19 cases, we have decided to cancel all remaining performances of Marie and Rosetta (Dec. 26th – Dec. 30th). We apologize for this inconvenience. However, the safety of our patrons, staff members and associates will always be a priority. If you purchased tickets for any Marie and Rosetta performances that were canceled, please contact assistbo@truecolorstheatre.org or call Tickets West at 470.639.8241 to request a refund or, if you choose, to donate the value of your tickets. We deeply appreciate your support.
Marie and Rosetta
Written by George Brant
Directed by Andrea Frye
Music Direction by S. Renee Clark
November 30th – December 30th, 2021
BUY TICKETS×Important COVID-19 Policies
Attention: All patrons ages 12 and older must pass the COVID-19 Admissions Screening before entering the theatre, which includes a temperature check, short questionnaire, and review of the following items:

Face Masks covering your nose and mouth
Valid Photo ID
COVID-19 Vaccination Card that shows COMPLETE vaccination, with 2nd shot at least 14 days prior to showtime – or –
Negative COVID test result (issued within the last 72 hours)

If you do not arrive with the proper credentials, you will be asked to contact the box office off site for an exchange to an alternate showtime.
AGREE AND CONTINUE
ClosePerformances:
Previews: 11/30, 12/1, 12/2 at 7:30PM
Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11:00 AM (Senior Matinees)
Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 PM
Saturdays at 2:30 PM & 7:30PM
Sundays at 2:30PM
Additional Performances: Tuesday 12/21 and 12/28 and Sunday 12/26 at 7:30PM
*There will not be any performances Dec 24th – 25th in observation of the Christmas Holiday*
Synopsis:
Belatedly acknowledged as the Godmother of Rock ‘n Roll, Sister Rosetta Tharpe shattered every barrier that she faced as she made her mark on the music world. Marie and Rosetta chronicles her journey with young gospel singer Marie Knight, whom she recruited away from Mahalia Jackson. Despite being forced by Jim Crow laws to lodge and rehearse in funeral homes and other unpleasant accommodations while on the road, Marie and Rosetta broke new ground with their music and their relationship.
*This show contains mild adult language and content*
Additional Show Information:
All patrons and guests are required to wear masks that cover your nose and mouth at all times while inside the theatre. Attendees must also present proof of vaccination or current negative COVID test documentation (issued within the last 72 hours) to gain access into the building. View our full COVID-19 policy and safety protocols here.
Cast:
Amitria Fanae
(Sister Rosetta Tharpe) Jasmine Ellis
(Marie Knight) Spencer Bean
(Guitar) Andrea Frye
(Director) Renee Clark
(Music Director)

The Reality of Realty: February - March
2022-02-18 - 2022-03-13 | GA
Here’s your chance to see 3 new productions centered on one of the greatest literary works of all time. Get your tickets now for the “Reality of Realty” – a series of 3 contemporary readings inspired by Lorraine Hansberry’s widely acclaimed classic, “A Raisin in the Sun.”
Starting Friday, Feb. 18, you can witness the first of these gripping performances, which shine light on race, gender, discrimination, and other issues around Hansberry’s prolific work.
Join us and watch these raw, powerful stories at an affordable rate. Each reading is $25, but you can catch all 3 for a bundle deal of $35. Check out our line-up and the talented artists behind the magic!
BUY TICKETS HEREYounger | February 18-20
“Younger,” written by Atlanta playwright Kelundra Smith, is a prelude to “A Raisin in the Sun”, chronicling the journey of Lena Younger, the family matriarch, from Jackson, Mississippi, to Chicago during the Great Migration of Blacks moving from the South to North.
Beneatha’s Place | February 25-27
“Beneatha’s Place” by Kwame Kwei-Armah follows the life of “A Raisin in the Sun” character Beneatha Younger from 1959 to the present.
The Etiquette of Vigilance | March 11-13
“The Etiquette of Vigilance” by Robert O’Hara is a contemporary look at the Younger family 50 years after the time of the original play.
BUY TICKETS HERE×Important COVID-19 Policies
Attention: All patrons ages 12 and older must pass the COVID-19 Admissions Screening before entering the theatre, which includes a temperature check, short questionnaire, and review of the following items:

Face Masks covering your nose and mouth
Valid Photo ID
COVID-19 Vaccination Card that shows COMPLETE vaccination, with 2nd shot at least 14 days prior to showtime
– or –
Negative COVID test result (issued within the last 72 hours)

If you do not arrive with the proper credentials, you will be asked to contact the box office off site for an exchange to an alternate showtime.
AGREE AND CONTINUE
CloseAdditional Show Information:
All patrons and guests are required to wear masks that cover your nose and mouth at all times while inside the theatre. Attendees must also present proof of vaccination or current negative COVID test documentation (issued within the last 72 hours) to gain access into the building. View our full COVID-19 policy and safety protocols here.

Fannie
2022-06-14 - 2022-07-10 | GA
Fannie: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer
Written by Cheryl L. West
June 14th – July 10th, 2022
TICKETS ON SALE NOWPerformances:
Previews 6/14, 6/15, 6/16 at 7:30PM
Thursday 6/23 at 7:30PM
Thursdays 6/30 and 7/7 at 11AM (Senior Matinees)
Fridays at 7:30 PM
Saturdays at 2:30 PM and 7:30PM
Sundays at 2:30PM
Synopsis:
Fannie Lou Hamer was the baby of her family, who were sharecroppers with 19 children before her. After working on plantations for most of her adult life, she joined the Civil Rights movement. Three years after attending a rally, she co-founded a new political party to advocate for Black voting rights. Involuntarily sterilized, robbed of her possessions, and beaten in jail, Fannie Lou Hamer was not deterred. This play with music has a cast of one, in recognition of the sheer power of Fannie Lou Hamer’s will.
“Review: True Colors’ folksy take on civil rights leader takes audience to church”
– ArtsATL
Our Sponsors:
Additional Show Information:
All patrons and guests are required to wear masks that cover your nose and mouth at all times while inside the theatre. Attendees must also present proof of vaccination or current negative COVID test documentation (issued within the last 72 hours) to gain access into the building. View our full COVID-19 policy and safety protocols here.

Cabaret
2022-11-11 19:30 - 2022-11-13 16:00 (America/New_York) | Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA, 30331, United States
Join True Colors for three unforgettable evenings full of hors d’oeuvres and libations as we celebrate 20 years of bringing Black stories to life! This fabulous cabaret and fundraiser curated by Artistic Director Jamil Jude will include performances and tributes to the incredible playwrights, actors and artists that have shaped our incredible journey thus far.
Choose your date – Friday, November 11 at 7:30pm, Saturday, November 12 at 2:30pm, or Sunday, November 13 at 2:30 – and get ready to relive some great True Colors moments while discovering what’s next!
This is a general admission event. Face masks are REQUIRED and social distancing is encouraged.
Friday, November 11, 2022 @ 7:30PM
Saturday, November 12, 2022 @ 2:30PM
Sunday, November 13, 2022 @ 2:30PM
BUY TICKETS HERE

Good Bad People
2023-02-14 19:30 - 2023-03-12 14:30 (America/New_York) | Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA, 30331, United States
Good Bad People
Written by Rachel Lynett
Directed by Ibi Owolabi
February 14th – March 12th, 2023
Digital PlaybillPerformances:
Previews: 2/14, 2/15, 2/16 at 7:30PM
Senior Matinee: Thursday, 3/9 at 11:00 AM
Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 PM
Saturdays at 2:30 PM and 7:30PM
Sundays at 2:30PM
Content Advisory:
Good Bad People contains adult language and smoking on stage. It also includes content that may be upsetting, with glass shattering, loud noises, and other potential triggers. The recommended age for this production is 14 yrs. and older.
Synopsis:
Good Bad People tells the story of the Johnsons, a prominent Black family in Los Angeles. Miriam Johnson is a law professor, her husband is a doctor, and their daughters June and Audre are prep school and Ivy League-educated. Their son Amiri, however, is another story. Having struggled to find his way, Amiri is living at a homeless shelter in the city when he is shot and killed by police in a case of mistaken identity.
June, Audre and Miriam, along with Amiri’s former girlfriend and a reporter from the Los Angeles Times, struggle with each others’ reactions to this family tragedy. The topic of “respectability politics” is raised when June’s disappointment in her family’s reluctance to decry Amiri’s death publicly is viewed as the Johnsons being “too respectable” to have something like this happen to their family.
Podcast:
Rachel Lynett Talks About Her Play Good Bad People
https://truecolorstheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/TCTPodcast_SankofaSeason_RachelLynett.mp3Additional Show Information:
All patrons and guests are required to wear masks that cover your nose and mouth at all times while inside the theatre.
Group Sales:
Special group rates are available to parties of ten or more. Please contact the Box Office for details and purchasing.
Cast:
Rachel Lynett
PlaywrightIbi Owolabi
DirectorTerry Henry
(Miriam)Asia Rogers
(Audre)Veanna Black
(June)Annie Jacob
(Camille)Kylie Gray Mask
(Lucy)

THE WIZ
2023-06-13 19:30 - 2023-07-02 14:30 (America/New_York) | Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA, 30331, United States
Directed by Brian Jordan, Jr.
June 13th – July 2nd, 2023 DIGITAL PLAYBILLPerformances:Previews: 6/13, 6/14, 6/15 at 7:30 PM
Wednesdays & Thursdays at 11:00 AM (Senior Matinees)
Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 PM
Saturdays at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Sundays at 2:30 PM
Synopsis:The Wiz was a staple of True Colors’ early years, when Artistic Director Emeritus and co-Founder Kenny Leon directed it for four consecutive years – from 2004 to 2007 – as a means to bring young talent to the stage. Many of the young performers have gone to success on Broadway, on the big screen and in the recording studio. This reimagining of the classic story is directed by Brian Jordan, Jr., well known to BET viewers as “Maurice Webb” on the popular show Sistas. Featuring an all-Atlanta cast, the production will honor the history, and illuminate the power, of True Colors’ artistic excellence in Black storytelling.
Director:Meet the director of THE WIZ – Brian Jordan, Jr. No stranger to True Colors Theatre Company, Brian credits his first experience of THE WIZ to his time spent as an actor with TCT. Having starred in the hit show “SISTAS” on BET, Brian is now bringing his depth of experience as an actor, choreographer, and artist to Atlanta for his directorial debut with THE WIZ.
Taloria Merricks
“Dorothy”Q Parker
“Tinman”George Lovett
“Scarecrow”Latrice Pace
“Auntie EM / Glinda”Greg McKinney
“Lion”Fenner Eaddy
“The Wiz”Tina Fears
“Addaperle / Evillene”Kyla Gibbson
“Ensemble”Jon Avery Warrell
“Ensemble”Christian Gibbs
“Ensemble”Kamarick Mackey
“Ensemble”AC Wilson
“Ensemble”Yvonna Hoba
“Ensemble”Cadence Lyles
“Ensemble”Nishelle Williams
“Ensemble”

That Serious He-Man Ball
2023-09-19 19:30 - 2023-10-16 14:30 (America/New_York) | Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA, 30331, United States
Written by Alonzo D. Lamont, Jr.
Directed by Eric Little
September 19th – October 15th, 2023
BUY TICKETSPerformances:Previews: 9/19, 9/20, 9/21 at 7:30 PM
Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 PM
Thursday, October 5th at 11:00 AM
Thursday, October 12th at 11:00 AM
Saturdays at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM
Sundays at 2:30 PM
Synopsis:Sky, Jello, and Twin have been friends since high school. Now in their 30s, they meet up on their local basketball court to talk trash and attempt to exorcize the demons that pursue them through their everyday lives.
True Colors looks forward to bringing this story back to the stage. This production was first seen in Atlanta on the stage of the 14th Street Playhouse (back then known as The Academy Theatre), where Tom Jones (Jello), Tony Vaughn (Twin) and our very own Kenny Leon (Sky) performed as in the 1988 Jomandi production.
Eric J. Little (Director). Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company Directing Credits: “Fetch Clay, Make Man;” “Between Riverside and Crazy,” Assistant Director- “Holler If Ya Hear Me.” Other Directing Credits: Actor’s Express: “The Brothers Size,” Neat;” and “Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train.” Theatrical Outfit: “Lady Day,” and “Thurgood.” Aurora Theatre: “The Mountaintop.” Alliance Theatre: (Reiser Lab)- “Confessions of A Hitman.” Theater Emory: “We Are Proud to Present…” North Carolina Black Rep/National Black Theatre Festival- “Run No More” and “Succession.” Selected Theatre Acting Credits: Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company: “Miss Evers’ Boys,” “Our Town,” and “Broke-ology.” Alliance Theatre: “Toni Stone.” Theatrical Outfit: “Gee’s Bend,” “A Lesson Before Dying,” and “Fly.” Horizon Theatre: “Superior Donuts,” and “Third Country.” Film/TV Acting Credits: “Praise This,” “Bandit,” “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne,” “Necessary Roughness,” “Hamlet’s Ghost,” “Lottery Ticket,” “Christmas Deja’Vu,” and “Stalker.” Eric is also a Georgia Lottery Host as well as a Professor & Director/Theater Coordinator at Clark Atlanta University. And he’s a three-time Suzi Bass Award Winner for acting. Follow him on IG: iamejlittle and Facebook: Eric J. Little.
That Serious He Man Ball Cast:Eugene H. Russell IVEnoch KingNeal Ghant

Jaja's African Hair Braiding
2025-02-11 11:30 - 2025-03-09 17:00 (America/New_York) | GA
Written by Jocelyn Bioh
Directed by Ibi Owolabi
February 11th – March 9th, 2025 Get TicketsDigital PlaybillPerformances:Feb 11th – Feb 13th 7:30PM (Previews)
Feb 20th and 27th 11:00AM (Matinees)
Thursdays 7:30PM
Fridays 7:30PM
Saturdays 2:30PM and 7:30PM
Sundays 2:30PM
We are bringing you nights filled with culture and fun during our run of Jaja’s! Get an exclusive backstage look February 11th with a Post Show Talk with the Creative Team. Have a taste of the culture with our West African Night February 22nd featuring light bites from Nema’s Kitchen and a performance by Giwayen Mata. Jaja’a African Hair Braiding will feature an ASL interpreter to assist our audience members with access needs February 27th and March 2nd. And you won’t want to miss your cue during our Greek and HBCU roll call February 27th-March 2nd. There is fun for all at Jaja’s! Purchase your tickets today!
Synopsis:Jaja’s African Hair Braiding invites you to step into a vibrant hair salon in Harlem, where a lively community of West African immigrant hair braiders weaves together humor and heart in a celebration of artistry and resilience. Amidst the laughter and playful shop talk, a diverse group of women share dreams, love stories, and hidden secrets, all while creating stunning braided masterpieces. On a sweltering summer day, the lighthearted banter reveals deeper reflections on the challenges of feeling like outsiders in their own neighborhood, sparking a powerful exploration of identity and belonging. Join us for this dazzling regional premiere that masterfully balances comedy with poignant themes, highlighting the magic of Black salon culture and the connections that unite us all.
Review: Jaja’s African Hair Braiding Brings Humor and Heart
Director:Ibi Owolabi is the current Drama League Stage Directing Fellow, with a residency at Manhattan Theatre Club that led to her recent Broadway debut on Cost of Living. Her work has been seen at 7 Stages, Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre, Alliance Theatre, Theatre Emory, The Weird Sisters Theatre Project, and the DC Black Theatre Festival. Ibi is a graduate of Georgia Southern University, the Actors Express directing internship, and the Kenny Leon fellowship. Ibi directed several Zoom productions, including Well-Intentioned White People, Good Bad People, White-Ish, Stew, and Faith. Ibi’s recent in person productions include a socially distanced You on the Moors Now at USC, The Bluest Eye at Synchronicity Theatre, Intimate Apparel at Actor’s Express, and Good Bad People at True Colors Theatre. She is also a producer for Weird SIster’s Theatre Project, a mixed media production company by women, for everyone.
Aba Arthur
“Jaja”Asha Basha Duniani
“Marie”Zora Umeadi
“Bea”Adetinpo Thomas
“Miriam”Shakirah Demesier
“Aminata”Ernaisja Curry
“Ndidi”Veanna Black
“Jennifer”Paris Cymone
“Vanessa, Radia, Shelia”Marita A. McKee
“Michelle, Chrissy, Laniece”Dane Troy II
“James, Sock Man, Jewelry Man, DVD Man”

Ain't No Mo
2025-07-29 08:00 - 2025-08-24 22:00 (America/New_York) | The Balzer Theater at Herren’s, 84 Luckie St. NW, Atlanta, GA, 30303, United States
Written by Jordan E. Cooper
Directed by Jamil Jude
Live at the Balzer, 84 Luckie St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
July 29th – August 24th, 2025 TICKETS AVAILABLE NOWDOWNLOAD DIGITAL PLAYBILLSynopsis:This ain’t your typical True Colors show.
This summer we’re bringing the bold, the brash, and the brilliant Ain’t No Mo’ to downtown Atlanta — yes, we’re stepping outside our usual space and into something a little wilder.
Written by Jordan E. Cooper, the youngest Black playwright to ever open a show on Broadway, Ain’t No Mo’ is a jaw-dropping rollercoaster of a play that imagines what would happen if America offered every Black person a one-way ticket back to Africa. What follows is a wild mix of sharp satire, hilarious sketches, drag, and unfiltered Black truth. Think In Living Color, Key & Peele, and SNL — but louder, bolder, and unapologetically Black.
This show is raw. It’s real. It’s got teeth. And it’s bringing something Atlanta hasn’t seen quite like this before.
If you’re the kind of person who loves to laugh, gasp, and talk about it after — Ain’t No Mo’ is your show.
This one’s for the bold. Don’t miss it.
Performances:Previews: July 29th – July 31st @ 730PM
Performances: August 1st – August 24th
Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday @ 730PM
Saturday @ 230PM & 730PM
Sunday @ 230PM
Additional Matinees and Evenings:
August 14th & 21st @ 11AM
August 10th, 17th, and 24th @ 730PM
Advisory: This production contains strong language and mild adult themes
Director: Jamil JudeJamil Jude is the Artistic Director of True Colors Theatre Company and a dynamic force in American theatre. A director, producer, playwright, and dramaturg, Jamil is committed to socially relevant art that builds community. He co-founded The New Griots Festival to support emerging Black artists in Minneapolis and has held major artistic roles at institutions like Park Square Theatre and Mixed Blood Theatre, where he was a National New Play Network Producer-in-Residence. Jamil is a recipient of the Mellon Foundation’s prestigious Leadership U grant and has directed across the country, from Arena Stage in DC to theatres throughout Minnesota and Colorado. An affiliated writer with The Playwrights’ Center and former Jerome Many Voices Mentee, Jamil continues to be a national leader in the development of new work and the nurturing of emerging voices.
Cast:Amber A. HarrisJay JonesJason Jamal LigonCandice Marie SingletonSierra Nicolette SmithTequilla WhitfieldTechnical Sponsor:

Cinderella
2026-06-09 19:30 - 2026-07-05 19:30 (America/New_York) | Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA, 30331, United States
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA
Music by Richard Rodgers Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Adapted for the Stage by Tom Briggs
From the Teleplay by Robert L. Freedman
Directed by Juel D. Lane
Choreography by Juel D. Lane
Musical Direction by Rahbi Hines
CINDERELLA is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization (www.concordtheatricals.com).
June 9th – July 5th, 2026BUY TICKETSSynopsis:This ain’t your traditional fairy tale.
True Colors is bringing you Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella — bold, iconic, and full of possibility. This Enchanted Edition keeps the heart of the classic story while turning up the confidence. Our Cinderella isn’t waiting to be rescued — she’s stepping into her moment. #DoItLikeCinderella
It’s nostalgia. It’s magic. It’s main-character energy.
Atlanta, you already know!
Recommended for ages 6+
Performances:Previews: June 9th – June 11th @ 7:30PM
Opening Night: June 12th @ 7:30PM
Regular Performances: Thursdays & Fridays @ 7:30PM Saturdays @ 2:30PM & 7:30PM Sundays @ 2:30PM
Additional Matinees & Evening: June 18th, June 25th, July 1st & July 2nd @ 11:00AM June 17th @ 7:30PM
Download the official CINDERELLA ’80s R&B playlist on Apple or Spotify!!
It features classic hits from the 80’s as well as anthems from our cast and creative team!DOWNLOAD ON APPLE MUSICDOWNLOAD ON SPOTIFYDirector and Choreographer:Juel D. Lane is a multifaceted artist known for his bold creativity and powerful storytelling through movement. He has performed with acclaimed companies like Ronald K. Brown/Evidence and Camille A. Brown & Dancers, and his choreography has been featured by Ailey II, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, BODYTRAFFIC, Carolyn Dorfman Dance, Atlanta Ballet, and universities across the country. He also serves as an Executive Associate of The Black Acting Methods Studio.
As Director of The UNCSA Choreographic Institute, Lane curates space for choreographers to explore process and creation on their own terms. In 2025, he brought his dynamic voice to the theater world by choreographing the new musical Co-Founders at American Conservatory Theater (ACT) in San Francisco. In addition, Lane choreographed the 2024–2025 Geffen Playhouse and The Shed production of The Brothers Size by Tarell Alvin McCraney.
Lane is also passionate about dance on film. He was awarded at the BronzeLens Film Festival for The Maestro, a short film honoring the iconic artist Ernie Barnes. Most recently, he co-directed and choreographed the music video Only-1 for recording artist Dixson.
Music Director:RAHBI is sophisticated funk personified—bold, genre-defying, and unapologetically original. An Atlanta native, he began his professional career as a member of the ’90s R&B group 4th Avenue before touring internationally as a background vocalist for Motown recording artist Donnie. He further refined his talents as a singer, songwriter, and actor through the Freddie Hendricks Youth Ensemble of Atlanta and The Thearadicals at Georgia State University.
Since launching his solo career, RAHBI has become one of Atlanta’s most sought-after independent artists, captivating audiences at AFROPUNK, Harlem’s legendary Apollo Theater, and venues throughout Europe. His electrifying performances have earned praise from celebrated artists including Janelle Monáe and Erykah Badu.
As the founder of STRANGE, Atlanta’s premier live indie music concert series, RAHBI champions individuality, culture, and creative freedom while creating platforms for innovative artists and emerging voices. His work has been featured on WABE’s television series Sounds Like ATL and the PBS two-time Emmy Award-winning Hope Givers, an inspirational program serving teens, educators, and families.
Most recently, RAHBI served as a featured Music Director for Season 2 of Diarra From Detroit. He also serves as the in-house Music Director for the world-renowned Black Acting Methods Studio, founded by Dr. Sharrell Luckett.
In recognition of his artistic contributions and community impact, RAHBI received the 2026 Georgia State Resolution Award and was selected as a recipient of the 2026 BMAC x America250 Voices of Tomorrow Music Maker Grant.
RAHBI’s latest single, “ALL I NEED,” is available on all major streaming platforms.
Cinderella:Jai’len Josey will appear as Cinderella in special performances. We encourage audiences to secure tickets early to experience her highly anticipated turn in the glass slipper. Select dates are indicated on the ticketing page.
Cast:

Tank Stranger
2026-09-15 19:30 - 2026-10-04 17:00 (America/New_York) | Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA, 30331, United States
Written By: James Ijames
Directed By: Jamil Jude
Dramaturg: Jonathan McCroryEVERY FAMILY HAS ROOTS.
When generations of the Stranger family are drawn back together, long-buried truths begin to surface, blurring the line between ancestry, mythology, and destiny. As Tank searches for where he belongs, he discovers that understanding the future means confronting the past.
Launching the final year of True Colors Theatre’s Blackness Is Not a Monolith series, Tank Stranger is a bold world premiere that blends Afrofuturism, Black folklore, and breathtaking theatrical storytelling into an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Because every family tree has a story. BUY TICKETS HEREPerformances:Previews: September 15th – September 17th @ 7:30 PM
Opening Night: September 18th @ 7:30 PM
Regular Performances: Fridays @ 7:30 PM, Saturdays @ 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM, Sundays @ 2:30 PM
Additional Evening Performances: September 22nd & September 30th @ 7:30 PM
Additional Matinees: September 24th @ 11:00 AM & 7:30 PM, October 1st @ 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Jamil JudeDirectorjames IjamesPlaywrightJonathan McCroryDramaturgCast:

Jitney
2026-10-09 19:30 - 2026-10-11 17:00 (America/New_York) | Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA, 30331, United States
Written by: August Wilson
Directed by: Renzo Carbonera
Presented by: Sardegna Teatro and La Piccionaia
Presented in Italian with English supertitles
October 9th – October 11th, 2026Performances:Friday, October 9, 2026 @ 730PM
Saturday, October 10, 2026 @ 230PM
Sunday, October 11, 2026 @ 230PM
BUY TICKETSSynopsis:Pittsburgh 1977
In the midst of the steel industry crisis, for which the city is known worldwide, five drivers, Becker, Youngblood, Turnbo, Fielding and Doub, struggle to get by. Clinging nostalgically to the past, while seeing only the dark outlines of an uncertain future on the horizon.
In the early decades of the twentieth century, an alternative form of transport to buses and licensed taxis emerged in the predominantly African American neighborhoods of U.S. cities: the “jitney”. In those neighborhoods, taxis did not circulate; they were too expensive and they refused to pick up Black passengers. The “jitneys” operated outside the boundaries of the law, but provided job opportunities for people like our five protagonists, while also offering an essential service to the community.
August Wilson, the most prolific and influential African American playwright of all time, is being translated for the very first time into another language (Italian) and staged with an entirely Black Italian cast.
The stage set is minimal and abstract, designed to focus the gaze on what is said and how it is said, on the shades of meaning enriched by the actors’ double roles, on the cinematic side lighting, and on the projections displayed on two vertical, smartphone-like screens.
When Booster, Becker’s son, is released after twenty years in prison for murder, a cathartic journey begins, intertwining the language of the street with the syncopated rhythms of jazz and with the classical language of tragedy.
Cast:Miguel Gobbo Diaz(Becker/Shealy)Federico Lima Roque(Doub/Fielding)Marcos Piacentini(Turno/Booster)Rosanna Sparapano(Rena/Philmore)Tomiwa Samson Segun Aina(Youngblood)
