Black History Month Events 2024

Greenhouse Theater Center

Tad in 5th City, January 19 – March 3

https://chicagoplays.com/event/tad-in-5th-city/

After the assassination of Dr. King on April 4, 1968, violence erupted on Chicago’s west side, consuming a 28-block stretch of West Madison Street. This traumatic moment changed the landscape of the city and an entire generation. 

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Christian McBride’s The Movement Revisited, February 2

https://cso.org/performances/23-24/scp-jazz/christian-mcbride/

Eight-time Grammy Award-winning bassist, bandleader and host of NPR’s “Jazz Night in America,” Christian McBride brings his monumental musical tribute inspired by the words of Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Muhammad Ali and President Barack Obama.

Court Theatre

Antigone, February 2 – 25

https://chicagoplays.com/event/antigone/

As Antigone mourns her brothers who have murdered each other in a civil war, she must decide if she will sacrifice her life to balance the scales of justice. 

3rd Dimension Performance Group

1619: The Journey of A People, February 3 – 18

https://chicagoplays.com/event/1619-the-journey-of-a-people/

The multi-disciplinary theater experience of 1619: The Journey of a People is expressed through three modern characters in a series of performance pieces  that will leave audiences both inspired and challenged about the progress of America’s African sons and daughters. 

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre

The Rhythms of West Africa, February 8

https://www.metropolisarts.com/event/ayodele-the-rhythms-of-west-africa-2024/

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre will be producing Ayodele Presents: The Rhythms of West Africa on February 8, 2024 at 7:30 pm. About the show: Ayodele Drum & Dance exists to foster community from a feminine perspective through the study and performance of diasporic African drum and dance. 

TimeLine Theatre Company

Notes from the Field, January 31 – March 24

https://chicagoplays.com/event/notes-from-the-field/

Witness the powerful stories of 19 individuals fighting to overcome and transform America’s education and criminal justice systems

The Second City 

Black By Popular Demand, February 9th – May 25

https://www.secondcity.com/shows/chicago/black-by-popular-demand-a-black-excellence-revue/ 

Black By Popular Demand: A Black Excellence Revue is more than a comedy show – it’s a celebration of Black Joy. Participating in the LOCT Black History Month Panel at The Understudy Café, February 8, 7-9:30PM with panelist: Rob Wilson, the director of Black By Popular Demand.

The Bob Curry Fellowship, January 30 – February 27

Since 2014, The Bob Curry Fellowship has been a cornerstone for developing next-generation comedic talent. Generously sponsored by Wintrust, this dynamic, tuition-free masterclass in the art of improv and sketch comedy culminates in a performance featuring the fellows’ fresh comedic voices. Join us for the Fellowship Showcase and celebrate the future of comedy.

Loyola University Department of Fine Arts

Fairview, February 15 – 25, 2024

https://chicagoplays.com/event/fairview/

Under the surface of this searing family comedy simmers an inescapable racism that boils up in the most unsuspecting of ways.

American Blues Theater

The Reclamation of Madison Hemings, February 16 – March 24

https://chicagoplays.com/event/the-reclamation-of-madison-hemings/

Slavery has been abolished, but what has changed? What do we need to keep with us as we move through this world and what should we leave behind?