The 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 presents 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 the rich heritage of Black arts, artists, and culture in our community.

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:

WHAT'S YOUR STORY JAMAICA? - THE FILM
​Saturday, April 25 & Sunday, April 26 at 3:00 pm

​To empower voices from the Jamaican diaspora and local community, fostering connection and highlighting authentic, non-scripted life experiences, Debra Ehrhardt founded the What’s Your Story Jamaica competition. Now, she brings these stories to Santa Monica and beyond in a film that shares true, personal stories, creating  a powerful space for connection, empathy, and healing, reminding audiences that while our experiences may differ, our emotions are universal. The film features Jamaican storytellers Justin Awn, Rasheed Lewis, Jerome King-Johnson, Suzette Shaw Reid, Jada Campbell, Jamar Grant, Marlon Thompson, Tanisha Bent.

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FREE BRICKS
Saturday, June 20 at 7:00 pm & Sunday, June 21 at 3:00 pm

A brutally honest “sketch” that highlights the tale of our main character "Bricks." An emotionally exhausted and burdened individual on a quest for self-acknowledgement and purpose. As she unravels her own personal hurdles, she decides to join the rest of the population of the Black women who are disappearing due to their Ancestors rescuing them off the planet.
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Written & Performed by Sonja Marie; Directed by Ernie Silva

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BLACK BASTARD
New Dates Available Soon!
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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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VASTHY AND FRIENDS
New Dates Available Soon!
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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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THE WORLD IS MY HOME: THE LIFE OF PAUL ROBESON
New Dates Available Soon!
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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. 

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