about the program
AEC Black Stage Series is a movement of support for stage productions created by Black, Indigenous people of color. Here are a few original productions that are part of this series.
THEY LIVE IN YOU ©
For years, the Griot has shared African tales of a rich heritage with audiences throughout the world, to bridge gaps in understanding and to promote cultural diversity. The Griot strongly believes in using the past as a guide for the present, and as a tool to empower possibilities for the future. Through dialogue, rap, song, and dance, They Live in You deals with the past and present in hopes of a better future.
The Fabric of "She" ©
In this story, Mia, atypical teenager, takes a journey from a place of discovery, revelation, and, finally, contentment. She is blessed to experience the chronicles of the lives of five illustrrious female entertainers born out of the Harlem Renaissance who happen to be African American. Lena Horne, Josephine Baker, Dorothy Dandridge, Moms Mabley and Ethel Waters impart wisdom about their gifts, talents but , more importantly, their struggles. The Fabric of “She” gives voice to the lives of these legendary icons in a way that brings them close, where we can experience the humanity that gave birth to their art.
150 fACING FORWARD ©
This celebration of the sesquicentennial of Juneteenth embodies provocative dialogue, dance, spoken prose and song stirring the soul to spur discussion as we chime into the past that’s brought us to our present as we anticipate our future. Explore our experience since slavery, discover nuances of where we are today and imagine how the future is impacted as we continue in the struggle.
FRUIT OF HIS PURPOSE ©
The Fruit of His Purpose is a celebration of the life & work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. There has been great benefit to all humanity as a result of his sacrificial commitment of civic activism toward justice and freedom to people of color. As our gratitude expresses itself in pursuing our God-given purpose to help others, we demonstrate we are the fruit of his purpose. Each day ends posing the question of responsibility inquiring what comes next in the process of destiny.
STAGE READINGS
A.E.C. Black Stage Series also produces and directs staged productions of plays by Black, indigenous, people of color with themes of inspiration, empowerment, social justice, civic engagement and other positive messages to empower our community.
Our Partners
viaJ entertainment services, llc. was established in 1993 to serve as a tool for professional development in creative, corporate and governmental settings in the areas of training, production, and consulting.
Baltimore Black Theatre Alliance was formed to give stage to the works of Black, Indigenous, (and) People of Color to inspire, educate, and empower our community to action.
The College Park Arts Exchange seeks to build community by promoting the arts and cultural activities throughout Greater College Park.
Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) is nationally recognized for college and career-readiness programs that provide students with unique learning opportunities, including dual enrollment and language immersion.
The State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg, the official museum of the Commonwealth, is a great place for exploration, fun, and discovery.
The writer’s wordshop is a poetry venue created by Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Gadsden to give Poets and Writers a platform to share their works with the world.
The Woodlawn Recreation Office serves the Woodlawn Recreation and Parks Council and their programs.