OP-ED: Bringing Black voices to the stage: Why representation matters in classical theater

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OP-ED: Bringing Black voices to the stage: Why representation matters in classical theater
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Black characters and stories have long existed in the classical canon, but they are too often overlooked, obscured by a Western-centric lens.

‘ Publisher and my father, Wilbert “Bill” Tatum, before me. We’ve been reporting the news of the day from a Black perspective since 1909 –, the first time in the 125 years of this award it has been given to a Black woman publisher – We are proud to provide no paywall journalism for the Black community we serve, the largest Black and Brown community in the country.‘ Publisher and my father, Wilbert “Bill” Tatum, before me.

CTH is taking bold strides to address this imbalance by spotlighting Black characters who deserve a place on the classical stage. Take, for instance, Memnon, the Ethiopian king who fought at Troy. In July 2025, CTH will present the New York premiere of “Memnon,” a production written by Will Power and helmed by me. This narrative revival brings to life a story steeped in heroism and African history, enriching the classical canon with a fresh perspective.

Bringing Black voices to the stage enriches the narrative landscape and builds bridges of understanding. Diverse stories allow audiences to engage with Black history and culture in ways that transcend textbooks and stereotypes. By seeing Black characters take center stage, audiences are challenged to rethink ingrained biases and embrace a broader human experience.

CTH leads this charge through its innovative arts education initiative, Project Classics, which introduces Harlem youth to classical theater. Programs like this ensure the next generation sees their stories as vital, beautiful, and worthy of being told.

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