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Black LGBT Out Nights are evenings where a Black Gay-identifying audience can enjoy the show in a safe space.

Creating “a Safe, Brave Space” with Black LGBT Out Night, June 23rd

A night dedicated to Black LGBT audience members

DETROIT, MI – In celebration of Pride month, Plowshares Theatre Company is writing a new chapter in its history. Part of the programming around producing The Magnolia Ballet, Part 1, will include a new programming event, Black LGBT Out Night. Black LGBT Out Night is the purposeful creation of an environment where a Black LGBT-identifying audience can come together to experience and discuss the production in an inviting cultural space where they are the majority.

This special performance will be held on Friday, June 23rd, at 7:30 PM. It will include a post-show discussion with LGBT Detroit Executive Director A. Nzere Kwabena and Equality Michigan Board Chair Buzz Thomas, moderated by playwright and educator Dr. John Shévin Foster. This special event is a joint venture between Plowshares Theatre Company and LGBT Detroit.

LGBT Detroit’s Kwabena said: “I am pleased and excited for Plowshares Theatre Company’s reach and explorations of intersections. The critical discussions of affection with Blackness and Queerness help to reduce historical harm within families and communities. I believe the arts, particularly theater, is a safe, brave space for cultural advancement.”

Plowshares’ Artistic Director Gary Anderson stated, “We are excited to have formed this relationship with LGBT Detroit. We are working to make Black Theatre more inclusive and responsive to the lives and experiences of a greater African American community. Tackling topics of intolerance and the need for healing within our community are two ways we serve Detroit and Detroiters. The arts, especially theater, can broaden one’s awareness of our world. That’s an important role. Having a willing and collaborative partner in that effort makes it much easier.”

About the Playwright

Playwright Terry Guest is a Black Queer Chicago-based writer, actor, director, and teaching artist. The Magnolia Ballet, Part 1 won critical acclaim and awards for its Chicago premiere, including two Joseph Jefferson Awards for Excellence – Best Production (Short Run Production-Equity) and Best Performer for Terry Guest – (Short Run Production-Equity).

About LGBT Detroit

LGBT Detroit, founded in 1994, is a Michigan-based nonprofit celebrating 30 years of building safe, brave spaces.   The organization commits to furthering its mission, increasing the prominence and visibility of Detroit’s LGBT+ culture, and building a strong, healthy, and vibrant community, focusing on economic and racial justice, health care disparities, global sexual freedoms and expressions, and anti-discrimination policies. LGBT Detroit activates, amplifies, and sustains LGBT+ culture, education, advocacy, and human rights while envisioning a Michigan where all its citizens are treated fairly and equitably.

About the Moderator

Dr. Foster is an arts administrator, playwright, and director who works in academic and professional theaters. He is currently the Executive Director of the Black Theatre Network, a national service organization for Black Theatre. Previously, he served as Artistic Director of the Department of Dramatic Studies at Shaw University, as the Director of Theatre at Virginia State University for eight years, and as Professor of Theatre at New York University, as well as the Education Manager and a Producer at the prestigious Brooklyn Academy Of Music.

What to expect when attending Black LGBT Out Night?

Patrons can purchase a special $49 ticket, including a pre-show reception, admission to the show, and the post-show discussion.

The spirit behind this evening is to provide a supportive, safe, judgment-free space for Black LGBT theatergoers to experience a show made by Black artists in a space reserved for the Black community. Hosts in the lobby will welcome you into the theatre space and answer any questions.

Are there special ticket prices available?

Yes! We offer three pricing options: $20 for Students, $38 for Regular, and $49 (including all fees). Patrons can purchase a special $49 ticket, including admission to the show and the champagne reception.

If these price levels are a barrier to you, we have a limited number of further-reduced tickets that Plowshares can make available. Please reach out to the Box Office to inquire via boxoffice@plowsharestheatre.org or 313.744.3181

Are non-Black LGBT patrons excluded from attending this performance?

The intention for this performance is to create a space for as many Black LGBT-identifying audience members as possible. We are not preventing or precluding anyone from attending. We thank you in advance for supporting these artists and Plowshares as we facilitate an opportunity for this community to celebrate and enjoy this special event.

Will there be Black LGBT Out Nights for future Plowshares shows?

The Theatre will continue to offer special Black LGBT Out Night performances for works by Black LGBT playwrights and artists in upcoming seasons.

Black LGBT Out Night is Plowshares’ opportunity to recognize Detroit’s Black LGBT community. It’s the deliberate creation of a safe space for our LGBT patrons.

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