Readers' Theatre

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The Garland Lee Thompson, Sr. Readers’ Theatre of New Works brings more than 30 original works by acclaimed and emerging playwrights to life through staged readings performed by professional actors, inviting audiences to experience bold new stories and new voices in theatre.

READERS' THEATRE OF NEW WORKS

Featured Plays

July 28 – August 1, 2026

Marriott Winston-Salem

5 Women of Color by Jeanette Hill
Drama

A War on Two Fronts by Paul Flippin
Drama, Other

Symbiotic by Kenyatt Godbolt
Drama

All Things by Michele Smith Fisher
Drama, Other

Beauty and the Deceit by Darryl G. Wormely
Comedy

Borderlines by Aaron Braxton
Political, Tragedy

Boulevard of Bold Dreams by LaDarrion Williams
Drama

Facing the Shadow by Sheila Payton
Drama, Other

D.E.I. by Charles White

Galaxy Crimes, A Sci-Fi Play by Karen Brown
Sci-Fi

Jive Madlokovu by Palesa Mazamisa, Nhlanhla Ngema, Tiisetso Ngema
Musical

King of Queensbridge by Clyde Santana
Drama

Paz by Alicia Payne
Drama

Ressurection Day by Janice Jenkins
Drama

Salt in the Sugar by Tabetha McNeal
Drama

Sanctified by Javon Johnson
Drama

Sango: A Yoruba Dance Drama by David D. Wright
Drama, Other

Saul’s Flute by Glenville Lovell
Drama

Secret Sauce by Lisa McCree
Dramatic Comedy

Sing for Me, Sammy! by Jerome Arthur John
Tragedy

(S)Kinfolk by Anthony Mapp

Snobs vs. The Underdogs by Kia T. Barbee
Drama

Sonny’s Song by Germono Toussaint
Drama

The Trial of One Short-Sighted Black Woman vs. Mammy Louise & Safreeta Mae by Karani Marcia Johnson
Dark Comedy, Drama

The Lewis and Clark Expedition: The Story of York by Kenthedo Robinson
Drama, Other

The Narrative by Levy Lee Simon
Drama

The Nigga with the Pitbull or the Reckoning by Charles A. Burks
Drama

The Sacred Forest by Alethea McCollin
Drama

The Selling of James Mars by Jonathan Herbert

We Been Knew by Sybil Barrett
Drama

Willy Bobo by Layon Gray
Drama, Other

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.