Black Writers

Hasna Muhammad, daughter of playwright/actor Ossie Davis, reflects on her father’s play Purlie Victorious and its connection to food and sustenance.

Is God Is, the breakout hit by playwright Aleshea Harris, is a triumph for the Australian theatre scene in a current Melbourne Theatre Company and Sydney Theatre Company co-production. We spoke to the stars of the production, Henrietta Enyonam Amevor and Masego Pitso, who are best friends in real life and on stage.

A Raisin in the Sun was a turning point in the history of the American Theatre, but little is often written about the work of the Black writers who preceded Hansberry. This article takes a look at what came before Raisin, what changed with the legendary play’s premiere, and what came after.

This summer at BAM, several high school students engaged with Aleshea Harris’ What to Send Up When it Goes Down through a six-week interactive workshop. Gabriella Officer-Narvasa recounts her transformative experience.

August Wilson’s American Century Cycle — ten plays for each decade of the twentieth century — chronicles the lives of the Black community in Pittsburgh. But there’s even more to know about this crowning achievement of the American Theatre. Read more to find out!

Concord Theatricals is proud to represent plays by Black authors that grapple with current themes and the history of the Black community. To commemorate Juneteenth, we’ve pulled a selection of titles.

Bella: An American Tall Tale began as a response to the erasure of African Americans in the history books that turned into a celebration of Black women and people of color in the American West. Read more about this joyful musical and its beginnings.

Writer Matilda Ibini chats to us about bringing her own poignant and incredibly funny story to life on stage.

The second in our Passport series, we take you to Thailand for a distinctly Harlem, New York play.

A discussion where you will hear from three of the many people who came together to make Pipeline by Dominique Morisseau a success:

“How would this play centered on the Black experience hold up with a predominantly white audience? Would the jokes land and appropriate emotions be stirred?” In this article, director Reginald Douglas discusses fostering empathy and conversation with August Wilson’s Two Trains Running at Weston Playhouse.

From the director of Pass Over, read about the thought provoking and inspiring play that represents a genuine theatre experience.

Nathan Alan Davis is the author of Dontrell Who Kissed the Sea, Nat Turner in Jerusalem, and many others, sat down with Samuel French Professional Licensing Representative Nikki Przasnyski to discuss his work

Samuel French is proud to support the August Wilson Monologue Competition, which was created by Kenny Leon and True Colors Theater Company in 2007 to carry on the legacy of August Wilson through the next generation of theatre artists. In 2017, the Dallas Competition expanded to include essays written about Mr. Wilson’s work.

The strength of music will not be suppressed. Read about August Wilson’s Seven Guitars here.

Samuel French is proud to support the August Wilson Monologue Competition, which was created by Kenny Leon and True Colors Theater Company in 2007 to carry on the legacy of August Wilson through the next generation of theatre artists. In 2017, the Dallas Competition expanded to include essays written about Mr. Wilson’s work.

Playwright Dominique Morisseau talks about her path to writing, inspirations and influences.

A play’s influence on a theater’s journey to greater inclusion.

Communications director of Intrepid Theatre Company Tiffany Tang discusses a production of FATHER COMES HOME COMES HOME FROM THE WARS (PARTS 1, 2 & 3) and how they created an environment where dialogue could be developed, encouraged, and introduced in a safe way.

Cynthia P. Schneider discusses the importance of art in today’s society, A Raisin in the Sun and, how this play connected people across the world.

What’s the first step to producing SMART PEOPLE by Lydia Diamond? Getting smart.

Jared Bellot spoke with renowned jazz musician Orbert Davis, who composed and recorded the original music for Paradise Blue, to discuss his 30-year career, his approach to working on the play, and the power of jazz.

In 2017, the August Wilson Monologue Competition expanded to included student written essays. Check out the top three here.

In 2017, the August Wilson Monologue Competition expanded to included student written essays. Check out the top three here.

In 2017, the August Wilson Monologue Competition expanded to included student written essays. Check out the top three here.

What is theatre’s role in a fractious political landscape? Pittsburgh’s City Theatre Company’s Clare Drobot explains their latest experience.

Lorraine Hansberry considered LES BLANCS to be her most important work; but do you know why? Learn more here.

Marin Theatre Company recently produced August Wilson’s GEM OF THE OCEAN, and we are proud to share their dramaturg’s pieces on the impact and influence of Wilson’s work.

Marin Theatre Company recently produced August Wilson’s GEM OF THE OCEAN, and we are proud to share their dramaturg’s pieces on the impact and influence of Wilson’s work.