Holy Ground

Holy Ground: The Legacy of The National Black Theatre Festival

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.

Production Credits

Directed by Jackie Alexander and Ka’ramuu Kush
Written and Produced by Jackie Alexander

Executive Producers: Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin, Hattie Winston, and Harold Wheeler
Associate/Line Producer: Clarielle Marsh
Composer: Tyrone Jackson
Cinematographers: Austin Gustafson, Eric Dowdy, Kirby Griffin, and Sean O’Halloran
Editor: Eric Dowdy
Sound Design: Doug Forbes

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.

Flow Automotive logo
Winston-Salem Millennium Fund logo
Forsyth County, North Carolina logo
The Shubert Foundation Inc. Logo
North Carolina Arts Council logo
Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County logo
Bank of America logo
Novant Health logo
The Shubert Foundation Inc. Logo

Your Backstage Pass

Don’t miss a moment of the magic. Join our e-News to stay connected on upcoming productions, programs, and more!

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

Copyright © 2026 Divi. All Rights Reserved.