The International Black Theatre Festival (IBTF), formerly the National Black Theatre Festival (NBTF), stands as a beacon for Black theatre companies worldwide. Founded in 1989 by Larry Leon Hamlin in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the festival has grown into a significant cultural event, celebrating Black storytelling and artistic excellence.
The Genesis of a Vision
Hamlin, while researching for a magazine article in the late 1980s, recognized a gap within the Black theatre community. He envisioned a festival that would unite these companies, providing a platform for collaboration and celebration. Hamlin sought support from the renowned author and poet Maya Angelou, who became the Festival's first chairperson.
The inaugural Festival attracted 10,000 attendees and showcased 30 performances by 17 of America’s premier professional Black theatre companies. Its theme was "An International Celebration and Reunion of Spirit". Other prominent African-American performers also lent their professional and financial support.
Key Highlights of the IBTF
The IBTF brings nearly 60,000 people to Winston-Salem. In addition to over 100 theatrical performances, highlights of the Festival are:
- The Opening Night Gala
- The Readers' Theatre of New Works
- The Youth/Celebrity Project
- International Colloquia
- The International Vendor's Market
- A poetry slam
- Various workshops and seminars
The countdown for the International Black Theatre Festival is in full effect
Overcoming Challenges
The IBTF has been successful, but not without difficulties. In 2001, the Festival faced serious financial troubles that threatened its existence. Several funding sources reduced support and the budget for the Festival was left with a $300,000 deficit. In spite of this setback, Hamlin did not cancel the festival and was able to raise enough money to compensate for the loss.
Read also: Experience Fad's Fine African Cuisine
Legacy and Impact
Founded by the late Larry Leon Hamlin, the International Black Theatre Festival is a biennial event uniting Black theatre companies from around the world and ensuring the presence of this phenomenal genre. With the support of Dr. Maya Angelou, who served as the festival's first chairperson, the National Black Theatre Festival began with a bang in 1989. In addition to generating international acclaim, the festival has contributed more than $200 million to the local economy while bringing world-class theatre acts to town - just as Hamlin intended.
The Hamlins' shared legacy now lives on in a festival that is equal parts welcoming, joyful, captivating, and fun. Their likeness also inspired the newly released logo for IBTF, as their profiles - melded together as one - are visible within the purple shield emblem.
Larry Leon Hamlin and Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin
NC Black Rep and the IBTF
In addition to hosting the International Black Theatre Festival, NC Black Rep presents several productions annually featuring members of its ensemble or through collaborations with other theatre companies from around the country.
World Premiere Plays at IBTF 2024
Among the 30+ productions presented at the 2024 International Black Theatre Festival, NC Black Rep premiered 3 original works written by emerging playwrights-Melda Beaty, JuCoby Johnson, and Eljon Wardally.
Read also: The Story Behind Cachapas
| Play Title | Playwright | Director | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coconut Cake | Melda Beaty | Nathan Ross Freeman | Hanesbrands Theatre |
| Heritage | JuCoby Johnson | H. Adam Harris | Ring Theatre at Wake Forest University |
| I Am…a Shepherdess | Eljon Wardally | Bianca LaVerne Jones | Tedford Stage at Wake Forest University |
Coconut Cake made its World Premiere in April 2024 and received additional productions with the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and Hattiloo Theatre. The story continues in 2025 with performances at the St. Louis Black Repertory and The Ensemble Theatre.
Heritage is an original work commissioned by NC Black Rep through the Finding Holy Ground project, funded by the Henry Luce Foundation. The play was produced in collaboration with the Wake Forest University School of Divinity and Wake the Arts for the 2024 International Black Theatre Festival.
I Am…a Shepherdess is an original work commissioned by NC Black Rep through the Finding Holy Ground project, funded by the Henry Luce Foundation.
NBT’s Residency Programs are career-launching for Black artists as they provide them with a creative home, an experiential foundation, and the necessary tools to support and help them foster a robust, sustainable career.
The event was renamed to the International Black Theatre Festival beginning in 2024.
Read also: Techniques of African Jewellery
