National Black Theatre's 2016-17 Season is IN PURSUIT OF BLACK JOY

Dr. Barbara Ann Teer's National Black Theatre (NBT) kicks off its 48th season with "The Alchemy of Black Joy," an exhibition of original works by renowned photographer Peter Cooper on Wednesday, September 7, and the world premiere of Harrison David Rivers' play "Sweet" on Wednesday, October 19. The events and productions reflect the theater company's theme this season: "In Pursuit of Black Joy."

"Often the Western gaze obfuscates Black culture's complexity in articulating joy, leaning toward digestible tropes that often emphasize or limit our expression to stereotypes. Today in particular with the inundating images and news of the slaying of young Black people, NBT feels it imperative to dedicate our full season to the creative investigation, expression and pursuit of joy-on our own terms, in our own words," said Sade Lythcott, CEO of NBT. "The intention here is to reclaim our stories and introduce a counternarrative that authentically celebrates who we are as people and hopefully helps to bring about a healing that we are all very much in need of today."

The season begins on Wednesday, September 7, with NBT's classic dramaturgical lobby exhibition, "The Alchemy of Black Joy," which will feature an affecting exhibition of Peter Cooper's photographic work and will also include an interactive art installation created by Lythcott and excerpts of poetry by Marc Bamuthi Joseph. Cooper, who coins himself a global citizen, will feature 16 of his original works that capture the different shades, textures and representations of joy found in the Black community. The exhibition of Cooper's work will continue until October 14.

The pursuit of Black joy will continue with Rivers' play "Sweet," running from Wednesday, October 19, through Sunday, November 20. Directed by Raelle Myrick-Hodges, who is making her New York City directorial debut, the play follows the tumultuous lives of three Midwesterners during the late '60s. Retha and Nina Baker have always been close-folding laundry together, chasing fireflies together and enduring the summer heat together. But when their mother dies unexpectedly and their neighbor, George returns home from college, the sisters' relationship begins to fray and long-held desires threaten to tear them apart. Set on the outskirts of an all-black town in rural Kansas, "Sweet" is a coming of age story about the sacrifices we make to hold on to the ones we love.

This season will also include two workshop productions by NBT's playwrights in residence: Dennis A Allen II's "Manhood" in February 2017 and Nambi E. Kelley's "Blood" in March 2017. Additional information about the workshop productions will be released later this year. The season will conclude with another world premiere production yet to be announced.

"In a time when the Black body is continuously under assault, NBT creates a healing space, reminding us all of the awesome power we each have as members of a community," Lythcott said.

Available now are NBT's Season Passes, offering great discounts for theater lovers! A VIP Season Pass ($149) includes two tickets to every NBT production this year ("Sweet," "Manhood," "Blood" and the spring world premiere production (TBA), two tickets to every Keep Soul Alive Monday Reading Series showcase and access to other events throughout the season. A Regular Season Pass ($99) includes one ticket to every NBT production this year (excluding any Opening Night show), one ticket to every Keep Soul Alive Monday Reading Series and access to other events throughout the season.

Tickets for "Sweet" are also now on sale. Previews run Wednesday, October 19 through October 21, with the ticket price at $20. The production officially opens on October 22 with an Opening Night Gala that includes a 7 p.m. show followed by a reception. Performances will run from Sunday, October 23 to Sunday, November 20 on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at 7:30 p.m., with Saturdaymatinees at 2:00 p.m.; Sunday performances will be at 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $35.00 general admission with the following exceptions: All seats during the final week are $40 and an Opening Night Gala ticket (Saturday, October 22) is $50. A discounted ticket price of $25 is available for groups of 10 or more, senior citizens, students, active military members and veterans. Tickets can be purchased online atwww.nationalblacktheatre.org, by calling NBT directly at (212) 722-3800 or at NBT's Box Office, open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdaythrough Sunday. National Black Theatre is located at 2031 Fifth Avenue between 125th and 126th Streets in Harlem. (Take the 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 subway to 125th Street.)

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