The Shades of Black Theatre Festival has been lifting up Black voices, stories and artists for more than 20 years. Established by Destiny Theatre Experience and SistaStyle Productions in 2006, this annual monthlong celebration showcases everything from spoken word and dance to film, theater and more. This year’s festival kicks off with a fun free mixer at the Darkhorse Theater on Monday. From there, audiences can look forward to a staged reading of Maya Antoinette Riley’s new Afrofuturist work Alex and the Afronauts (Sept. 2); Shawn Whitsell’s intriguing theatrical experience Destined Beyond: An Immersive Theatre Journey (Sept. 4 & 17); and the always-popular 24-hour Short Play Showcase from Verge Theater and Destiny Theatre Experience (Sept. 5). Other highlights include Kintsugi: Art of Scars — a powerful new work created by poet and performer Cameron L. Mitchell, in collaboration with choreographer Thea Jones (Sept. 17 and 20); and musician/public speaker Damien Horne’s engaging solo show A Nashville Story (Sept. 25).
Through Sept. 27 at the Darkhorse Theater
4610 Charlotte Ave.
