Following another year of honoring, uplifting, and reveling in the accomplishments and innovations of Black Americans, Pittsburgh’s August Wilson African American Cultural Center has revealed the inspiring lineup of events it has planned for the ’23-’24 season.
“Our upcoming season is a vibrant tapestry of creativity, resilience, and the celebration of African American arts and culture,” said Janis Burley, President, and CEO of AWAACC in a press conference showcasing the forthcoming lineup. “Each event is a testament to the enduring legacy of August Wilson, and we invite everyone to join us on this inspiring journey.”
Here are a few of the season’s highlights:
For the Music Lovers
Our Song, October 13-22
This coming-of-age musical follows a teenage girl as she attempts to unearth her true voice. Along the way, she stumbles upon thought-to-be buried family secrets. While emotionally moving, Our Song also takes the audience through Black American history against a backdrop of tunes ranging from the beats of Africa to today’s Gospel.
For Movie Buffs
Black Bottom Film Festival, October 27-29
Now in its sixth year, the Black Bottom Film Festival is a three-day celebration of Black cinema from across the U.S. Alongside film screenings, this year, for the first time, there will be a free panel about the film industry economy in Pittsburgh.
For the Dance Enthusiasts
WILD, October 25
In honor of National Youth Justice Action Month, for one day only, Broadway veteran Jeremy McQueen presents the Pennsylvania premiere of WILD, an Emmy award-winning ballet collaboration from The Black Iris Project. The ballet showcases the voices of those affected by the juvenile justice system.
For Literature Fans
AWAACC’s TRUTHSayers series will bring thought-provoking speakers to the city, including Nikole Hannah-Jones, creator of the landmark The 1619 Project, and Isabel Wilkerson, author of 2020’s Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. Free monthly digital Lit Fridays presents conversations with Black writers, artists, and thinkers.
Other upcoming events include Beyond the Red Door, an interactive theatre series, an art exhibition by Tim Okamura titled Onna-Bugeisha: Warriors of Light, which runs from November until February and introduces women warriors guided by the Samurai Code, and the inaugural Hooks & Phonics Festival, a weekend of Hip Hop and Spoken Word celebrates storytelling by BIPOC orators and emcees, fearlessly sharing tales of trial and triumph.
Find tickets, event times, and more for AWAACC’s upcoming ’23-’24 season, which promises to “be a journey of discovery, enlightenment, and celebration, inviting audiences of all backgrounds to come together and embrace the rich tapestry of African American culture,” at awaacc.org.
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