The African American experience is not represented solely by one voice or one style. Horse Trade Theater Group and The Fire This Time Festival provide a platform for talented early-career playwrights of African and African American descent to explore challenging new directions for 21st century theater.

Directed by Ebony Noelle Golden

Featuring: James Edward Becton, Paris Cymone, Trevor Latez Hayes, Cary Hite, Joshua Josey, Mizz June, Linda LaBeija, and Antu Yacob.

Panopticon by Cyrus Aaron

Things are heating up outside, and two middle-aged men take a familiar spot in their neighborhood and shoot the breeze. They must face the fact that everything around them is changing, drastically, but the one thing they intend to keep is their perspective.

One Morning Soon by Niccolo Aeed

“One Morning Soon” is about what happens after a Messiah is killed. It follows a community of believers as the messiah’s religion grows and twists and changes. It’s a play for anyone who wonders: why hasn’t God saved us yet?

Assumed Positions by Natyna Bean

During the first night in her new home, Naya discovers how easily a little distance can create a huge impact. When she finds herself arrested by the sudden shifts of someone she previously believed to know even better than herself, she is faced with the conundrum of whether or not she is willing – or able – to get to know this newfound stranger.

Maya and Rivers by Tyler English-Beckwith

Maya and Rivers are from a dead earth in search of a new life. They find it together, on the moon.

If Men Were Flowers by Jay Mazyck

Three flowers and a tree have noticed that the plants in their garden has been decreasing in numbers. As their vitality is put into question, they realize their sweet Gardner, Dalia, is hiding a truth that will shake the very ground they call their home.

Antepartum by Deneen Reynolds-Knott

Two pregnant women navigate bedrest and broken expectations in a hospital’s Antepartum Unit.

I Wish I Could P. (Pay It No Mind) by Mario (Mars) Wolfe

Ariel and Jamil consider the next steps in their future, while Marsha P. Johnson shepherds the lost back home.

Visit www.firethistimefestival.com for more show info!