Black Arts MKE to Present Harlem Renaissance Throughout Black History Month for Milwaukee Students

More than 2,000 students will attend for free during February to learn about one of the most monumental artistic revolutions in American history

MILWAUKEE (February 1, 2023) – In celebration of Black History Month, Black Arts MKE will present a new theatrical production for Milwaukee’s youth, Harlem Renaissance, by local playwright Malaina Moore. Set inside Harlem’s legendary dancehall, The Savoy Ballroom, Harlem Renaissance will feature actors bringing to life four of the era’s icons: Ella Fitzgerald, Jacob Lawrence, Zora Neale Hurston, and Langston Hughes. Through swing, jazz, storytelling, art, and scatting, young audiences will be transported to a pinnacle moment in Black history. Starting next week, students from all over the city will attend shows every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in February to learn and be inspired.

“As a Black artist myself, writing and directing this piece has been an exciting and emotional journey. It’s important to me that these students understand the beauty and artistry that came out of the Harlem Renaissance,” said Malaina Moore, Director. “I want them to feel like they’re seeing themselves on stage and be empowered to create new works that represent their lives. There is power in the students not only learning about the history but understanding that the performers and the crew working behind the scenes are all Black and based in Milwaukee.”

WHEN

February 8-10, 15-17, 22-24

11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. (60-minute performance, 15-minute Q&A)

WHERE

Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall, Marcus Center for Performing Arts

121 E State St, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Please note this production is only open to schools and youth organizations, not the general public. 

“A key strategic goal for Black Arts MKE is to provide high-quality, transformative programming,” said Barbara Wanzo, Executive Director. “This year, thanks to the United Performing Arts Fund Bright Minds Fund sponsored by We Energies, we have expanded our Black History Month youth programming from three performances to nine. We are proud of our ever-growing efforts to provide culturally relevant, multidisciplinary arts programming for local schools.”

Black Arts MKE anticipates more than 2,000 students will attend this new production during the month. Schools will also bring back resources to help them continue learning about the Harlem Renaissance in the classroom. This program is part of Black Art MKE’s year-round youth programming, which is delivered for free to schools throughout the Milwaukee area.

Learn more about Black Arts MKE’s youth education and programming efforts here. Schools and organizations interested in registering for this production or future youth programming are encouraged to contact Ashley Jordan, Director of Arts & Cultural Programming at ajordan@blackartsmke.org.

Black Arts MKE Youth Programming is generously supported by United Performing Arts Fund Bright Minds Fund sponsored by WE Energies, BMO Harris Bank, Bader Philanthropies, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Herzfeld Foundation, Johnson Controls Foundation, Old National Bank, PNC Bank, We Energies Foundation, Pieper Power and Francie Luke Silverman Foundation.

ABOUT BLACK ARTS MKE

Black Arts MKE’s mission is to increase the availability and quality of African American arts and culture. We collaborate with over 100 local artists and arts organizations annually to bring to our community renowned and original performance arts works by African American authors, playwrights, poets, musicians, and composers. Our community outreach programs serve over 15,000 underserved schools, youth and their families including Youth Performing Arts Summer Camp. Black Arts MKE’s annual signature performance – Black Nativity by Langston Hughes is a holiday musical favorite in Milwaukee featuring an all-black, Milwaukee area-based cast. We’re a recipient of the Association of Performing Arts Professionals, NEA Grant for Arts Projects, The Black Seed and Theatre Group Communications (TCG) national awards. Black Arts MKE is a producing theatre with World Premier Wisconsin. We are a proud Member Group of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) and Resident Group at the Marcus Performing Arts Center.  Black Arts MKE is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation.