skip to Main Content

“Chicago has a rich and fertile community of African American Playwrights. There was a need for an organization that focused specifically on these artists as it related to their unique cultural heritage.
The BPI (Black Playwrights Initiative) is a vehicle that brings us together as a community to share resources and nourish our skills.
It is the purpose of the BPI to develop scripts for the Black Ensemble Theater. It is also the purpose of the BPI to increase local and national exposure for our membership.”

– Jackie Taylor, Founder and CEO of Black Ensemble Theater and the Creator of Black Playwrights Initiative

The Black Playwrights Initiative is thankful to National Endowment for the Arts for their generous support!

*PLEASE NOTE – All productions are staged readings. There will be some music, but the actors will be reading from scripts for accuracy and to benefit the growth of the playwrights.*

BPF 2023_V14__1080 x 1080 - Dorothy Dandridge

TUESDAY JULY 11, 7PM

Dreams & Fantasies: The Dorothy Dandridge Story
Written by Viola Bennett

Experience the heartache, hardships, and anxiety of Dorothy Dandridge’s life and career, the first black movie star. Despite hoping for a happy life after being raised by a cruel woman, adulthood became more challenging after her only child was diagnosed with severe brain damage. The harsh realities of her life drove her to consume pills and escape into dreamworlds. Enter the fantasy world of Dorothy Dandridge as she imagines talking to her daughter.

WEDNESDAY JULY 12, 7PM

True Happiness
Written by Jill Ross

How four sisters persevered and made their singing fairytale come true.
BPF 2023_V14__1080 x 1080 - Gladys Knight

THURSDAY JULY 13, 7PM

The Making of An Empress of Soul; Gladys Knight
Written by Michelle Renee’ Bester 

The life and career of Gladys Knight narrated by the people who knew her best, The Pips!
BPF 2023_V14__1080 x 1080 - Teena Marie

FRIDAY JULY 14, 7PM

Lady T: The Story of Teena Marie
Written by Lillian Mitchum

Mary Christine Brochart aka “Teena Marie,” she’s a white woman with a soulful voice fighting against all odds to fit into the black community. Blackballed by the musical industry, misused by love and struck down with illness. Ms. Teena Marie was determined not to give in but to move on – no matter what!

BPF 2023_V14__1080 x 1080 - Sam Cooke-07

SATURDAY JULY 15, 3PM

Lyrical Memories
Written by Reginald Williams

Two couples, madly in love believing they had found their soulmates, and forced to separate over 50 years ago, are unexpectedly reunited; proving the old adage, “Love conquers all.”

BPF 2023_V14__1080 x 1080 - Sam Cooke-22

SATURDAY JULY 15, 7PM

Killing of A King
Written by Ervin Gardner