Salem Academy and College welcomes three performances of the National Black Theatre Festival (NBTF) to campus in August 2022. The performances—”Blood Done Sign My Name,” “Liberty & Justice” and “Too Heavy for Your Pocket”—promise to be what Festival founder Larry Leon Hamlin famously called “Marvtastic!”

“Our campus is thrilled to serve as one of the host locations for three of the many electrifying performances that will take place during the 2022 National Black Theatre Festival,” Salem interim chief marketing and communications officer Véronique George said. “We welcome the casts, audiences and Salem community with open arms to our campus as we enthusiastically return to black theatre Holy Ground during the National Black Theatre Festival.”

George also is serving in a support capacity for the NC Black Rep to assist with digital marketing, social media and event management.

• “Blood Done Sign My Name” is by Mike Wiley Productions of Pittsboro, North Carolina and shares the story of three white men who are acquitted of the murder of a young, Black Army veteran by an all-white jury, despite testimony by two black eyewitnesses in rural North Carolina. The result is that Oxford, North Carolina is thrown into a season of violent reprisals in spring 1970. Written and performed by Mike Wiley, “Blood Done Sign My Name” was originally directed by Serena Ebhardt. The performance is based on a historical memoir by Timothy B. Tyson and will feature gospel vocalist Mary D. Williams.
  
  Salem College—The Drama Workshop Theatre: Tuesday, August 2, 2 p.m., ($45); Tuesday, August 2, 8 p.m., ($45); Wednesday, August 3, 2 p.m., ($45); and Wednesday, August 3, 8 p.m. ($45).
   
• “Liberty & Justice” is a musical story featuring LEAP Artists LIVE! from New York.  This musical follows the journeys of two women, Liberty & Justice, who relocate to New York in the 1900s seeking opportunity. One is a Caribbean immigrant who comes through Ellis Island, the other a southern African American. Both find refuge at the White Rose Home for Colored Working Girls, a settlement house. Their shared dreams for more lead them to become involved in women’s rights and suffrage. “Liberty & Justice” is written and directed by Kathy D. Harrison.
  
  Salem College—Shirley Recital Hall: Thursday, August 4, 8 p.m., ($45); Friday, August 5, 8 p.m. ($45); Saturday, August 6, 2 p.m. ($45) and Saturday, August 6, 8 p.m. ($45).
   
• “Too Heavy for Your Pocket” will be performed by The Ensemble Theatre of Houston, Texas. The performance will tell the story of two young couples, amid the Civil Rights Movement, who struggle with the tenuous balance between security and risk, the bonds of love and friendship, and the personal cost of progress. “Too Heavy for Your Pocket” is written by Jireh Breon Holder and directed by Eileen J. Morris.
  
  Salem College—The Drama Workshop Theatre: Thursday, August 4, 8 p.m., ($45); Friday, August 5, 8 p.m., ($45); Saturday, August 6, 2 p.m., ($45); and Saturday, August 6, 8 p.m. ($45).

The Drama Workshop Theatre and Shirley Recital Hall are both located in the Elberson Fine Arts Center at Salem Academy and College.

For additional information about the 2022 National Black Theatre Festival, please visit ncblackrep.org/nbtf-2022.

Salem Academy and College welcomes all National Black Theatre Festival performers, volunteers, team members and guests to Salem’s campus!