By: Jordan Meadows
Staff Writer
Winston-Salem, renowned as the City of Arts and Innovation, is once again in the spotlight as it hosted the 35th International Black Theatre Festival (IBTF).
This biennial event, a cornerstone of Black theater, commenced on July 29 and went through August 3, drawing thousands of theater enthusiasts and professionals to the region. The festival, celebrated for its showcase of Black artistry, is produced by the North Carolina Black Repertory Company (NC Black Rep).
Founded in 1979 by the visionary Larry Leon Hamlin, an actor, director, and playwright from Reidsville, NC, the North Carolina Black Repertory Company was the first professional Black theater company in North Carolina. It laid the groundwork for the International Black Theatre Festival, inaugurated in 1989. Over the years, the IBTF has grown into a premier event that celebrates the depth and diversity of Black theater and arts, drawing performers, directors, designers, and audiences from across the globe.
This year’s festival was a six-day extravaganza featuring over 130 performances across various venues in Winston-Salem. Attendees experienced various theatrical presentations, including plays, musicals, and spoken word poetry. The festival’s programming also includes riveting films, dynamic youth engagement activities, and a vibrant vendor’s market that celebrates the African Diaspora.
The event kicked off with a star-studded reception at Winston-Salem State University, attended by more than 700 guests, including the new Chancellor Bonita Brown.
“Your contributions to the world of theater are not only celebrated this evening but are cherished as a part of our larger narrative,” Brown said at the reception. “As we embark on this festival together, let us embrace the stories, let us embrace the performances and the profound messages that will unfold over the coming days.”
The opening night gala, held at the Benton Convention Center, honored notable figures in theater and featured a powerful one-man show, “Love Warrior,” by Daniel Koa Beaty.
Festivalgoers enjoyed a diverse lineup of performances, including musical tributes to legends like Motown, Etta James, Phyllis Hyman, and Luther Vandross. A particularly anticipated segment is the midnight poetry slam, which presented some of the best in spoken word. Additionally, Michael Colyar’s comedy extravaganza and a national youth talent showcase provided entertainment for all age groups.
A grant from the Henry Luce Foundation fueled a partnership among Wake Forest’s School of Divinity, the University’s Wake the Arts Center, and NC Black Rep. The grant provided funding for two plays to be written for and premiered during IBTF.
The festival also emphasized professional development through workshops and academic discussions. These sessions offer aspiring theater professionals valuable networking opportunities and insights into the craft, contributing to the festival’s reputation as a significant event for career advancement in the arts.
The IBTF’s economic impact on Winston-Salem is substantial, with estimates suggesting that it has contributed more than $200 million to the local economy since its inception. The festival not only boosts the city’s economic profile but also cements its status as a vital hub for Black theater in the country. The influx of over 60,000 attendees each year transforms Winston-Salem into a center of cultural and artistic exchange.
Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines praised the festival’s ongoing contribution to the city, highlighting its economic benefits and its role in enhancing the city’s cultural landscape. “We’re lucky to have it back,” Joines said, underscoring the festival’s importance to the community.
This year, the festival is co-chaired by the distinguished actors Tamara Tunie and Clifton Davis. Tunie, known for her role as Whitney Houston’s mother in “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and her long tenure on “Law and Order: SVU,” brings her extensive experience in both acting and directing to the event. Davis, a Tony and Grammy Award-nominated actor, singer, and composer, is celebrated for his work on Broadway’s “Aladdin” and his songwriting contributions, including “Never Can Say Goodbye” for The Jackson 5.
“I’m always amazed that we have this jewel in Winston-Salem, and so many people have never been to the festival,” added former WXII 12 News Anchor Wanda Starke. “And you need to go to NCBlackRep.org because there is something for you — or, as Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin used to say, Black theatre is for everyone.” Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines and comedian Michael Colyar both attended the event and delivered speeches.
The IBTF places a strong emphasis on community engagement and education. TEENtastic, a special program designed for teenagers, provides young people with opportunities to explore theater and engage with industry professionals. This initiative reflects the festival’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of theater artists and expanding the reach of Black theater.
Additionally, the festival’s International Colloquium offered a platform for scholarly discussion and exploration of key issues in Black theater, contributing to the academic discourse surrounding the field.
The IBTF’s continued success and growth reaffirm its status as a premier cultural event, celebrating the artistry and achievements of Black theater practitioners while fostering community engagement and professional development. With its history of excellence, economic impact, and commitment to cultural enrichment, the International Black Theatre Festival remains a hotspot of creativity and a vital celebration of Black theatrical talent.
