One night only: August 22, 2024 at 7:30pm

African Roscius: a black in the box play by Marlon Andrew Burnley is a journey into a liminal realm where an enigmatic Maker conjures masks that unveil the told and untold narratives of Black history. Centered on the life and impact of Ira Aldridge, this one-man show transcends time and space to celebrate a legacy of resilience and artistic innovation.

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Cast:

O’Neil Delaphena

Artistic Team:

Playwright: Marlon Andrew Burnley
Director: Mia Kristin Smith
Dramaturg: Anterior Leverett
Stage Manager: Erika Toney

Meet the Playwright

Marlon Andrew Burnley has a passion for community engagement.

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written and performed by Carolyn Cook

Two nights only: August 30 and 31, 2023 at 7:30pm
6:30-7:30 pm – Resource Fair; Performance at 7:30 pm

In this autobiographical play, a woman sets out to meet her loved ones with dementia where they are — and returns with a guidebook for fellow travelers.

Covering fifty years in twenty minutes, Walk With Me leads into a discussion about positive caregiving with social worker Anne McSweeney, owner of CEU Creations. Join us for evening of warmth and discovery for families,

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One night only: August 24, 2023 at 7:30pm

A comedy following writer Lena and her titular character Yanni Stone as Lena completes the daunting task of writing her first play all while navigating dating, sex, and virginity in modern day Atlanta, audiences had the chance to experience an earlier draft of during Synchronicity Theatre’s Stripped Bare Arts Incubator Series in April.

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Cast:

Lena, Yanni Stone – Azhane Kennedy
Gran, Dr. Graham, Cobweb 1 – Carlette Jennings
Leo, Jonathan – Kaleb Mitchell
Amber, Woman,

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World Premiere opens Friday, August 18, 2023

A poetic drama about two families in 1960s rural Georgia, one black and one white, trying to find their path and keep their dreams alive. 

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Performance Schedule

Thursday August 17 (8pm) Preview performance
Friday August 18 (8pm) Opening Night
Sunday August 20 (7pm)
Monday August 21 (8pm) Industry Night
Saturday August 26 (8pm)
Sunday August 27 (2pm)
Saturday September 2 (8pm)
Sunday September 3 (2pm)

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In The Press

World Premiere Of THE WISHING PLACE Opens August 18 At 7Stages

Essential Theatre’s 24th Festival Continues with Beverly Austin’s The Wishing Place

“a lyrical serenade into the lives of two neighboring families in mid-60’s Georgia.”

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World Premiere opens Friday, August 11, 2023

A compelling psychological drama about what we owe to those we’ve lost. Winner of the 2023 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award.

Advisory: Reference to suicide and self-harm

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Performance Schedule

Thursday August 10 (8pm) Preview performance
Friday August 11 (8pm) Opening Night
Saturday August 12 (8pm)
Saturday August 19 (8pm)
Sunday August 20 (2pm)
Friday August 25 (8pm)
Sunday August 27 (7pm)
Monday August 28 (8pm) Industry Night
Friday September 1 (8pm)

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In The Press

Essential Festival Opens August 11 With World Premiere Of THE MANUSCRIPT

Essential Theatre festival brings Georgia-based plays to the stage through Sept.

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Opening Friday July 29 – A satiric drama that explores internet journalism, social media, and the culture of outrage – Co-Winner of the 2020 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award.

Opening Friday August 5 – A play about hope, shining a light on the darkest corners of grief – Winner of the 2022 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award – Winner of the 2022 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award.

One night only: August 18 – Hush Harbor Lab presents The Wash, by K. D. Smith
Based on true events, The Wash is the intimate and often funny tale of women who went from workers to fighters, and won. 

A collaborative theatre project about the City of Atlanta, by the writers of Atlanta, developed and directed by Ellen McQueen, award-winning director of Ice Glen and Sally and Glen at the Palace.

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Five public school teachers are caught in the limbo of the disciplinary “Rubber Room,” waiting for their cases to be heard and their fates decided. Poignant and funny drama, it’s like The Breakfast Club for teachers, as thy share secrets with each other and begin to look into their own hearts. Winner of the 2012 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award,  Evelyn in Purgatory has enjoyed multiple productions since that time and was published by Samuel French in 2016.

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