By: Ms Jheri Worldwide
Staff Writer
The vibrant arts scene in North Carolina’s Triangle region was fully displayed at the recent Triangle African American Theater Preview 2025 event at the Raleigh Little Theatre. This showcase previewed an exciting lineup of upcoming productions. From beloved classics like The Color Purple, Jitney by August Wilson, and even a Caribbean-infused reimagining of The Little Mermaid, our area theaters offer a wealth of opportunities to experience the power and beauty of dramatic arts. This preview offered a tantalizing glimpse into the rich tapestry of stories soon to grace stages here in central North Carolina. If you want to see the talent and future stars in our area here are a few shows you will not want to miss.
One production that particularly caught my attention is Confederates. This play delves into the complex relationship between an enslaved woman and her mistress, picking up their story after the mistress returns home following a failed marriage. Confederates produced by PlayMakers Repertory Company, promises to be a powerful exploration of a difficult historical period, demonstrating the art’s ability to spark dialogue and foster understanding in creative and innovative ways. Another highlight is the upcoming season is Saints and Aints by Black Poetry Theatre, which explores the intersection of religion and music in African-American culture, weaving together various musical genres to underscore the importance of both in shaping identity and community. Additional shows include: Li V Mahob Productions’ The Old Settler, Justice Theater Project – Fairview, North Carolina Central University Theatre – Livin’ Fat, Theatre Raleigh – Once on This Island, Raleigh Little Theatre – Akeelah and the Bee, Agape Theatre Project – Plenty of Time, Raleigh Little Theatre – The Color Purple. You can also follow the Triangle African-American Arts organization for details on next year’s preview and continued highlights of these remarkable shows.
I highly encourage you to explore these and other productions that will be taking place at various theaters throughout the year. For a full schedule, please visit AfricanAmericanArts.org for more details. A special thank you to Raleigh Little Theatre, which has generously hosted the Triangle African American Theater Preview event for the past eight years. The packed house was a testament to both the exceptional artistry on display and the vital importance of supporting African-American arts in the diverse theaters and venues across North Carolina. We will see you at the theatres!
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