Black Theatre Troupe launches 55th Season with new productions

Black Theatre Troupe is set to launch its highly anticipated 55th season, bringing compelling stories and dynamic performances to Phoenix audiences. The season opens on September 6 with “The Trial of One Short-Sighted Black Woman vs. Mammy Louise and Safreeta Mae,” a thought-provoking play that tackles issues of race, identity and history.

Black Theatre Troupe Director David Hemphill and actor Rico Burton joined on “Arizona Horizon” as they discussed the significance of this milestone season, the themes explored in their productions and the impact of Black Theatre Troupe’s work on the community over the past five decades.

Hemphill, who has been involved in the Black Theatre Troupe for 30 years, knows this seasons importance well.

“It feels very good. I’m very proud of the work that we’ve done and what we’ve grown,” Hemphill said.

Burton, who has been with the troupe for more than 20 years, discussed her role in the season opener.

“This time around I am just consulting with some of the actors. I was in this play in 1997, so it’s been a while, and I was going to reenact the role but then some family issues came up and I was unable to. Now I’m able to just consult and help. It is so wonderful to see this new line of actors come in to do the work again,” Burton said.

Hemphill stressed the importance of growing and diversifying the audience for the Black Theatre Troupe.

“Well the way of doing that is to keep the organization vibrant, try to offer new and illuminating ideas and productions. It is always important to do that. We have a very easy route of doing that because the organization started out of activism. So as long as their are those issues within society about culture and the importance of one’s culture then our organization will thrive and we will bring in new people and provoke new ways of though,” Hemphill said.

This season promises to be a celebration of Black culture, resilience and artistic expression.