July 27 — August 1, 2026
Winston-Salem, NC
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Events + Programs
An electrifying week of more than 100 theatrical performances, cultural events, and community programs, IBTF features mainstage productions, staged readings, workshops, panel discussions, and more, showcasing artists and stories from around the world.
MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS
SPECIAL EVENTS
WORKSHOPS + SEMINARS
IBTF FILM FESTIVAL
READERS' THEATRE
VENDORS MARKET
INTERNATIONAL COLLOQUIUM
YOUTH PROGRAMS
IBTF CULTURAL TOURS
BLACK THEATRE'S BIGGEST NIGHT
Opening Night Gala
IBTF rolls out the purple carpet for the 2026 Opening Night Gala, the signature event that kicks off the festival in unforgettable style. This elegant evening brings together artists, honorees, and theatre royalty for a cultural celebration honoring the past, present, and future of Black theatre.
2026 Honorees
Angela Robinson
IBTF Celebrity Co-Chair
Peter Parros
IBTF Celebrity Co-Chair
Phylicia Rashad
Sidney Poitier Lifetime Achievement Award
Experience IBTF
Phenomenal Woman, Maya Angelou: A Fireside Chat with Angelica Chéri
Monday, July 27, 2:00pm
Hearn Ballroom, Winston-Salem Marriott
Join a fireside chat with playwright Angelica Chéri and the producers of Phenomenal Woman, Maya Angelou, about the show’s journey to Broadway. Angelica will receive the August Wilson Playwright Award at the IBTF Opening Night Gala and make theater history as the first Black female solo writer of the book and lyrics for a completely original Broadway musical when her show, Wanted, opens this fall.
The event is free and open to the public.
Holy Ground: The Legacy of the National Black Theatre Festival
Tuesday, July 28 — Saturday, August 1
Hanesbrands Theatre, Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts
Holy Ground is a documentary film celebrating the legacy of the National Black Theatre Festival® (NBTF), its founder, Larry Leon Hamlin, “Mr. Marvtastic,” and Executive Producer Emeritus, Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin. The film features interviews with Black Theatre legends, groundbreaking performances, archival NBTF footage, and a behind-the-scenes look at NC Black Rep. This visual narrative shines a light on the birthplace of the National Black Theatre Festival, Winston-Salem, North Carolina—the City of Arts and Innovation. Directed by Jackie Alexander and Ka’ramuu Kush.
Theatre Conversations at Midnight Opening Night Reading Series: A Tribute to Woodie King, Jr.
Tuesday, July 28, 10:30pm
Hearn Ballroom, Winston-Salem Marriott
Presented by Woodie King Jr.’s New Federal Theatre to sold-out performances at the 1999 National Black Theatre Festival, Karani Marcia Johnson’s play, The Trial of One Short-Sighted Black Woman vs. Mammy Louise and Safreeta Mae, reexamines Mammy Louise and Safreeta Mae as they defend themselves against Victoria, an ambitious Black professional who believes their images limit her advancement. Written by Karani Marcia Leslie and directed by Allie Woods.
The event is free and open to the public.
Behind the Curtain: Women Navigating Power, Creativity & Legacy in the Arts
July 29, 11:15am – 1:15pm
Hearn Ballroom, Winston-Salem Marriott
Behind the Curtain: Women Navigating Power, Creativity & Legacy in the Arts is a powerful conversation centering the voices, experiences, and impact of women in the arts. Bringing together visionary artists, leaders, and creatives, this panel explores what it means to lead, create, advocate, and thrive while shaping culture and opening doors for future generations. Through candid storytelling and shared wisdom, panelists will reflect on resilience, representation, mentorship, artistic expression, and the lasting legacy women continue to build onstage, backstage, and beyond.
Moderated by Dr. Aduke Aremu and Genice Johnson, the panel features Bianca LaVerne Jones, Cedrina Shari, Dana McBroom Manno, Dr. Lynette White, Lillias White, Lorey Hayes, Nana Malaya Rucker-Oparabea, Passion Hansome, and Vanessa Henderson. Join us for an inspiring dialogue celebrating the power of women to transform the arts and one another.
Midnight Poetry Jam
Thursday, July 30, 12:00am
Friday, July 31, 12:00am
Hamlin Theatre, Benton Convention Center
A late-night celebration of rhythm, language, and expression, this intimate gathering brings together poets and spoken-word artists for a powerful showcase of bold storytelling and unfiltered truth. Audiences are invited into an immersive exchange of voices, verses, and artistry that lingers long after the final word. Hosted by Larry “LB the Poet” Barron.
Storytelling Festival
Thursday, July 30, 10:00am
Friday, July 31, 10:00am
Hearn Ballroom, Winston-Salem Marriott
A vibrant celebration of imagination and oral tradition, this gathering brings storytellers and griots together to share folktales, personal narratives, and cultural legends. Through captivating performances and shared experience, audiences are invited into a world where stories come alive, and connection is at the heart of every telling.
Therapeutic Power of Theatre Presented by Novant Health
Friday, July 31, 4:30pm
Reynolds Place Theatre, Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts
Inspired by the 2024 Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin Rolling World Premiere Award–winning play, Blooming in Dry Season, written by Eljon Wardally, this engaging conversation explores the intersection of storytelling and cognitive health, centering dementia, memory loss, and the impact of cognitive decline on individuals, families, and communities.
Featuring a distinguished panel of Novant Health experts—Venkata Ravi Chivukula, MD, MPH, FAPA, CPE; Monique Mumford, FNP-C; Tiffini Sheldon-Morris, Psy.D.; and Andrew Watkins, LCSW—the program is moderated by Danielle C. Moore, MSRC, CRC, LCMHC, CEO, Counselor, and Education Specialist at Moore Ways to Success LLC.
Attendees are invited to visit health and wellness resource tables hosted by Novant Health, where healthcare providers will share educational materials, support resources, and information on cognitive health services.
The event is free and open to the public.
Anatomy of An Opera: Nia Imani Franklin
Friday, July 31, 5:30pm
Gwendolyn Williams Theatre, Benton Convention Center
Former Miss America and composer Nia Imani Franklin opens her creative process to the public through unveiling work-in-progress scenes and music from her new opera, American Queen. Soprano Sequina Dubose and Joseph Mechavich, General Director of Piedmont Opera, will perform excerpts and join the discussion, offering audiences an intimate glimpse into opera in development.
Presented in partnership with Piedmont Opera, the event is free and open to the public.
Steal Away Home
Saturday, August 1, 11:00am
Salem Ballroom, Benton Convention Center
Performed by the North Carolina Central University Department of Theatre, this moving play shares the powerful, adventurous journey of two young, enslaved children who travel North along the Underground Railrond, determined to reunite with their father, who has recently gained his freedom. From the novel by Jane Kristof, adapted by Aurand Harris, and directed by Dr. Nadia Bodie-Smith.
The event is free and open to the public.
Plan Your Visit
Located in the City of Arts and Innovation in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, IBTF welcomes thousands of visitors to its stages, where creativity, charm, and Southern hospitality shine at every turn.
IBTF News
‘Holy Ground’ Documentary to Make Its World Premiere at the 2026 International Black Theatre Festival
The North Carolina Black Repertory Company (NC Black Rep) proudly announces Holy Ground: The Legacy of the National Black Theatre Festival…
IBTF to Honor Phylicia Rashad with Sidney Poitier Lifetime Achievement Award
The International Black Theatre Festival (IBTF) will honor acclaimed actress, director, educator, and cultural icon Phylicia Rashad with the prestigious Sidney Poitier Lifetime Achievement Award…
International Black Theatre Festival Unveils 2026 Mainstage Lineup
The International Black Theatre Festival is proud to announce the Mainstage program for the 18th biennial festival, returning to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, July 27 – August 1, 2026.
The 2026 International Black Theatre Festival is made possible by our valued sponsors, whose support helps bring world-class performances, cultural experiences, and community celebration to the stage.
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An electrifying week of theatrical performances, cultural events, and community programs, IBTF features mainstage productions, staged readings, workshops, panel discussions, and more, showcasing artists and stories from around the world.
Contact
336.723.2266
info@ncblackrep.org
419 N Spruce St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101