In the world of theater, stories that authentically reflect the Black experience can be few and far between. That’s what inspired Angela Jackson Brown, a creative writing teacher at Ball State University, to try her hand at playwriting.
“I had been going to different plays in a lot of different cities, and I began to notice that so many of the Black characters are maids or the girl with the attitude, or stereotypes that we always see,” said Brown. “I said to myself, you could be part of the problem or part of the solution.”
While seeking solutions, she started writing her own plays and mentoring local playwrights. When a friend told her about OnyxFest, an initiative of IndyFringe that aims to elevate the voices of emerging African-American playwrights, she knew she wanted to get involved.
Established in 2011, OnyxFest is Indianapolis’ first and only theater festival dedicated to the stories of Black playwrights. OnyxFest is free to enter, and playwrights pocket 50 percent of all ticket revenue. This year’s festival is March 22-31, and some of its productions play tribute to the 50th anniversary of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy’s historic speech in Indianapolis the night Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated.
“The African-American culture has such a wonderful tradition of storytelling, and I don’t think the wider audience often gets to understand that,” said Pauline Moffat with IndyFringe. “Each one of these stories has a theme. We have plays about intergenerational family sagas that makes for great storytelling and drama.”
Brown’s play “Dear Bobby” follows two young girls from opposite sides of Indy, one Black, one Jewish, who are fascinated by Bobby Kennedy. Directed by Deborah Asante of Asante Children’s Theatre, the play explores the relationship between the Jewish community and Black community on the night of King’s assassination.
Though OnyxFest celebrates Black playwrights, she hopes art lovers of all backgrounds will attend.
“Our stories are worthy to be told. When we are relegated to the secondary character in a larger work, we miss out on the full range of various actors and playwrights,” said Brown. “There are so many challenging topics that our community should tackle, and the best people to tell those stories are African-Americans because we know our stories better than anything. It’s important for mixed audiences to attend these shows so they can recognize the world of stories we are missing out on. Our stories are rich, filled with history, laugher and love.”
OnyxFest events and plays
“Dear Bobby: The Musical”
Playwright: Angela Jackson Brown
Music: Peter Davis
Judith Rosenstein and Annabelle Strong are two 12-year-old girls from opposite sides of Indianapolis. This play explores the very real struggles and successes of the Jewish community and the Black community to unite as one in Indianapolis. It explores, in a larger scope, the tumultuous times everyone was living through as they watched in horror the assassination of their leaders.
“Take My Hand: (A Blues Man’s Path to Gospel)”
Playwright: Lillie Evans
Thomas Dorsey, a self confident composer and self-taught pianist, is determined to make his mark. In his early twenties he was well on his way to being one of the most prolific composers in blues history and was sought after by some of the top blues artists of his time. His vision was to marry church music with blues rhythms —it was called gospel.
“Forever More”
Playwright: Lanetta Overton
The holidays are quickly approaching, and the Moore family is planning to visit with one another. Ruby and Michael are anticipating the arrival of their three beloved sons. The Moores will share more than good food and laughs over the holiday. It’s time for this family to show they will be there for one another despite the odds they may face.
Production times and ticket prices can be found at indyfringe.org.
