National Black Touring Circuit’s Black History Month Play Festival to Present I, BARBARA JORDAN, Thru 2/26

The National Black Touring Circuit's Black History Month Play Festival will present "I, Barbara Jordan," a dynamic look at the first African American woman from the South to be elected to Congress, at the National Black Theatre, 2031 Fifth Avenue through February 26.

"I, Barbara Jordan," which stars Toni SeaWright, is directed by Woodie King and written by Celeste Bedford Walker. The play celebrates the remarkable life and career of the eminent Texas orator, legislator and teacher, who was Texas' first African-American woman state senator. Jordan, the first African American woman from the South to be elected to Congress (serving from 1973 to 1979), also became the first African-American woman to deliver the keynote address at a Democratic National Convention in 1976. The play was originally commissioned by The Alley Theatre. Seawright, the first African American Miss Mississippi, has been featured in Nickelodeon's "The Naked Brothers Band," the Broadway production "Street Corner Symphony" and the national touring company of "The Wiz" with Stephanie Mills. 

The Black History Month Play Festival performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 3:00pm. Tickets are $20. For more information call (212) 279-4200.

Throughout February, the National Black Touring Circuit's Black History Month Play Festival has explored the lives of African American historical figures A. Philip Randolph, Zora Neal Hurston, Adam Clayton Powell and Congresswoman Barbara Jordan. "These plays remind us that it's important to honor the determination and accomplishments of these African American political heroes," said King. "Each of them had a major role in changing and impacting American history and culture."

The National Black Touring Circuit was founded in 1974, by Woodie King, Jr. to make existing Black theatre productions available to a larger audience by presenting to the Black communities at large, to colleges, to Black art centers, and to resident professional theatres. The program is funded by NYSCA, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts, Mary Duke Biddle Foundation and Contracted Booking Fees.