The 2025 Black History [every] Month Project

A year-long celebration of works that highlight the rich heritage of
African American arts, artists and culture

Black History [every] Month will present special short-run presentations of African-American theatrical creations not just in February, but throughout the year. Seeing a poster on the Playhouse patio wall advertising a production for Black History Month, a Playhouse conservatory student asked, “What about the rest of the year?” Excellent question, one that became the inspiration for the Black History [every] Month project, recognizing, honoring and celebrating our diverse cultures, traditions and philosophies to support and enhance the health and evolution of our local, national and global communities.

With generous support from the We Are Santa Monica Fund, the City of Santa Monica, the Santa Monica Arts Commission, and Playhouse PALS, Santa Monica Playhouse is excited to present the following:

THE WORLD IS MY HOME: THE LIFE OF PAUL ROBESON
TEMPORARILY POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBD

Film, TV and stage personality Stogie Kenyatta pays homage to Paul Robeson with his acclaimed NAACP Award-Winning solo show about the renowned African-American artist-activist. Robeson – internationally renowned actor, recording artist, concert singer, football player, All-American athlete and Phi Beta Kappa Society laureate at Rutgers University, was witness to the artistic wonders of the Harlem Renaissance and the Jazz/Be-bop era, the horrors of the slave trade, the shame of the Holocaust, McCarthyism, blacklists, racism and oppression. 

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LOOK WHAT FELL OUT DE MANGO TREE
Sundays, April 20 & June 22, 2025, 4:00pm, Rated: 16+

Secrets. Lies. Forgiveness. Vulnerability. And a deep-seated desire to break free of the prison that prevents a woman from truly allowing herself the strength to embrace laughter and joy. Because running away from something is not being free. Written by and featuring Debra Ehrhardt, with Christopher Grossett (A Raisin in the Sun-Syracuse Stage; A Wrinkle in Time-Lincoln Center). Directed by Hall of Fame Grammy Winner Paul Williams.

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MULATTO MATH: SUMMING UP THE RACE EQUATION IN AMERICA
Fri & Sat, May 16 & 17, 7:30pm; Sun, May 18, 3:00pm

An edgy one woman show.  Through original music and stories of her family's history, this mixed-race woman (from an African American father from the segregated south and Irish American mother from upstate New York) shares her most precious, vulnerable stories of her exploration of family, race and identity. Written and performed by Monique DeBose. Directed by Denise Dowse (may she rest in peace).

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VASTHY AND FRIENDS
Saturday, May 10, 10:30am and 1:30pm, all welcome, ages 4 to 10 encouraged

Sesame Street meets Broadway…Mr. Rogers meets musical theatre…it’s music, dance, poetry, and fun for the whole family (including grown-ups). 8-time Broadway performer (The Prom, Spongebob, Mary Poppins) and her ensemble of performers and musicians create interactive experiences that allow audiences to engage innovatively in the arts.

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BLACK BASTARD
June 12 & 14 at 7:30pm, June 15 at 4:00pm; 18+

1990s Houston. Queer. Southern. Creole. Jon, an inquisitive Black boy, develops a love for literature until his family fractures, thrusting him into the role of “man of the house.” A comedic spiral ensues as Jon grapples with his identity. An inciting confrontation propels his search for his absent father. A humorous, heartfelt coming-of-age tale.

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EXECUTIVE PRESENCE – IMPROV FOR PROFESSIONALS INTENSIVE
Thursdays, May 1 – June 5, 2025, 6:30 to 8:00pm, 21+

African-American company culture and engagement consultant, producer and director Jared Robinson, presents 6 once-a-week sessions crafting transformative shared experiences that foster collaboration and innovation with tips, tools, and techniques to increase your presentation skills through performance.

Santa Monica Playhouse® Reserves the Right to Cancel or Reschedule Performances Without Prior Notice. Please Call to Confirm Show Dates and Times.