The month of February commemorates the richness and vibrancy of black history and culture, and while Black History Month is nearing its end, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate. Here are just a few in the downtown Phoenix area.
1. Trouble in Mind Presented by The Black Theatre Troupe
When: February 15 – February 23
Where: BTT’s Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center
Patronize the arts and celebrate the Black Theatre Troupe’s 50 year anniversary in the Valley by buying tickets to this brilliant homage to African American theatre. Trouble in Mind features actress Wiletta Mayer in a performance that broke societal boundaries upon its debut in 1955. It’s a story of a fictional anti-lynching Broadway play, Chaos in Belleville, and the clash between black actors and a white director that still has relevance to this day.
2. Master Harold…And The Boys
When: February 14 – March 1
Where: Herberger Theater Center
When Athol Fugard’s play ‘Master Harold’… and The Boys was released in 1982 during South African Apartheid, it was banned from production for it’s critical takes on institutionalized racism and race relations, set in a Port Elizabeth tea shop. This production of Master Harold will show at the Herberger Theatre and is directed by the award winning Kent Gash of New York University.
3. Black and African Trivia
When: Monday, February 24 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Taylor Mall, ASU Downtown Campus
Black history is U.S. history! Put your knowledge to the test with other students at the ASU downtown campus for a fun and informative day of trivia on Black and African culture.
4. Black History Month: Celebration of Culture
When: Thursday, February 27 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Where: Orpheum Theatre Phoenix
There’s not too much info on this event online, but with the scheduled lineup of theatrical performances and food trucks, what’s not to like? This event in celebration of Black History Month is free and open to the public!
5. The Pieces I Am – A Toni Morrison Documentary
When: Thursday, February 27 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: FilmBar
Watch the documentary centered on the Nobel Prize-winning African American author, Toni Morrison. Before the film, a panel will discuss race and society. Morrison, who died last year, was known for her literary masterpieces such as “The Bluest Eye,” “A Mercy,” “Beloved” and many more. She was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom award for her works in 2012.
6. Becoming Othello: A Black Girl’s Journey
When: February 22- 29
Where: Phoenix Art Museum
In this play, a young black girl struggles to become Shakespeare’s Othello. “Becoming Othello” is a one-woman show, acted and directed by the incomparable Debra Ann Byrd. Byrd draws upon her own experiences in embodying the titular role in Othello with the Southwest Shakespeare Company at Taliesin West, which won her the 2019 Broadway World Arizona Lead Actress Award. Beyond simply autobiographic, “Becoming Othello” also issues poignant commentary on race and gender, illustrated with the use of multimedia images and performance.
7. Elio Villafranca: Project Cinque
When: Saturday, February 29
Where: The Nash
Elio Villafranca brings together the Afro-Caribbean rhythms of Cuba, Haiti, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. Interwoven into one performance, Villafranca’s music reflects on the history of black experiences in the Caribbean.
Contact the reporter at csserra1@asu.edu
