Holy Ground Brings the Story of the National Black Theatre Festival to the Screen
The North Carolina Black Repertory Company (NC Black Rep) proudly announces Holy Ground: The Legacy of the National Black Theatre Festival, a new documentary chronicling the extraordinary story of the biennial gathering that became a beacon for Black theatre around the world.
Co-directed by Jackie Alexander, Producing Artistic Director of NC Black Rep, and filmmaker Ka’ramuu Kush, Holy Ground documents the origins of the National Black Theatre Festival and its evolution into today’s International Black Theatre Festival through rare archival footage, intimate interviews, and unforgettable moments that capture the festival’s profound cultural impact.
Featuring reflections and personal stories from Black theatre legends, cultural icons, and community leaders, Holy Ground illuminates the vision, artistry, and collective spirit that have defined one of Black theatre’s most enduring traditions.
Larry Leon Hamlin presents at the 1993 National Black Theatre Festival
Founded in 1989 by the late Larry Leon Hamlin, alongside his wife and visionary collaborator, Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin, the National Black Theatre Festival was born from a bold vision to ensure the survival and continued evolution of Black theatre into the next millennium.
Over the course of more than three decades, the National Black Theatre Festival became known as “Holy Ground”—a place of pilgrimage where storytellers, audiences, and communities from around the world gathered in celebration, fellowship, and artistic exchange. With unforgettable visits to Winston-Salem from luminaries including Maya Angelou, August Wilson, Sidney Poitier, Cicely Tyson, Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington, and many more, the festival became a cultural home and a sacred gathering place for Black theatre.
For more than three decades, the festival has stood among the world’s premier stages for Black theatre makers. In 2024, the National Black Theatre Festival became the International Black Theatre Festival, reflecting the global vision that has guided the event since its founding and its commitment to elevating voices from across the Black diaspora.
Holy Ground stands as both a historical record and celebration of the resilience, artistry, and community that define Black theatre.
Succession, written by Charles White, performed at the 2022 National Black Theatre Festival. Photo by Bruce Chapman.
Holy Ground: The Legacy of the National Black Theatre Festival screens July 28 – August 1 at Hanesbrands Theatre in Winston-Salem.
A companion exhibition featuring historic photographs and archival materials from the National Black Theatre Festival will be on view in the Main Gallery at the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, presented in partnership with the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County.
For tickets and event information, visit ncblackrep.org/holy-ground-documentary
About the International Black Theatre Festival
Founded by Larry Leon Hamlin and produced by the North Carolina Black Repertory Company, the International Black Theatre Festival is one of the world’s premier celebrations of Black theatre and culture. Held biennially in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the festival brings together artists, scholars, students, producers, and audiences from around the world for a week of performances, workshops, seminars, and cultural exchange dedicated to the advancement of Black theatre.
Visit ncblackrep.org to view the 2026 Festival program, purchase tickets, and plan your festival experience.