2023 Festival on the Square
Congo Square Theatre has been a refuge for Black artists and creative visionaries –and our legacy continues as we move into our 25th anniversary year!
This year, we are showcasing three Festival on the Square events that pay homage to Congo Square in a celebration of arts, healing, and Black joy.
We’re talking food, drinks, theatrical readings —including from our Samuel G. Roberson Next Up Fellowship winners— and much more.
Join us for one (or all) of these events.
June 22 | Festival on the Square with Retreat AT Currency Exchange
FREE event featuring an elevated reading and happy hour!
7pm at Retreat at Currency Exchange (305 E Garfield Blvd.)
Welcome to the Blue Swan
By Paris Crayton III
Selected through the August Wilson New Playwright Initiative (AWNPI)
Directed by Ensemble Member Daniel J. Bryant
Plus, this incredible cast lineup:
Kelvin Roston Jr., Alexis J. Roston, Rita Wicks, Andre Teamer, Yaw Agyeman, A.C. Smith, Danyelle Monson, Kayla Kennedy, Alexandria Moorman
June 28 | Festival on the Square with Boxville Marketplace
FREE event featuring readings from Samuel G. Roberson Next Up Fellowship recipients. Plus, food, drinks, and shopping with resident Boxville vendors! Festival on the Square activities will take place on Boxville’s Neighborhood Square. Come early for a special guided tour at 4:00pm followed by catering by Boxville vendors at 5:00 pm!
7pm at Boxville Marketplace (330 E 51st St.)
(Readings start at 7pm)
NEXT UP FELLOWSHIP STAGE READINGS
Tisha, Rita, and Mary Lee vs. The World by Maria D. Smith
10-min play by Maria D. Smith, our 2023/24 Next Up Fellowship winner.
Directed by Ken-Matt Martin
Cast: Dezi Bing, Ua Smith, Simone Immanuel, Neal Moeller, Sara Mountjoy Pepka, Thom Cox
The September Show by Helaina Coggs
30-min excerpt of full length play; Malkia Stampley JohnsonCast: Alexis J. Roston, Felicia Oduh, Ashli Funches, Ronald L. Conner, John Payne, Kai Ealy, Jabari Khaliq, Neal Moeller
The Playgrounds by Bair Warburton-Brown
30-min excerpt of full length play; Directed by Malkia Stampley JohnsonCast: Keimon Shook, Willow James, Carl Collins, Cat Christmas, Sierra Phan
JULY 29 | Festival on the Square with The Silver Room
CHRCH: A Black Music Story
By Seshat Yon’shea Walker
Directed by Justice Ford
in conjunction with The Silver Room Sound System Block Party
Silver Room Block Party
Oakwood Beach 39th St. 12:30pm (entire festival running 12-10pm!)
Use Code CONGO for $40 1-day tickets or $60 weekend passes
*Up to 50 discounted tickets provided by SILVER ROOM
(Use Code CONGO for $40 1-day tickets or $60 weekend passes)