The next generation of Black storytellers is stepping into the spotlight at Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts Oct. 9-11 to present “Young Griots: New Works for the Stage,” a showcase of four original 10-minute plays written by student playwrights exploring love, identity, and the many shades of Black joy.
Directed by Professor Denise J. Hart, the production highlights the creative voices of Essence Jackson, Kevoy Sommerville, Joycelyn Sophia Jackson, and Efeoghene Rhonor, students in Howard’s Playwriting minor program. “5 Minutes,” “Echo Chamber,” “Incline,” and “Two Sides to Black” will debut at the Al Freeman Jr. Environmental Theatre Space in Childers Hall.
This is the inaugural showcase from the department and they are anticipating it for years to come. “I conceived this project, which I've coined Young Griots: New Works for the Stage. It was designed to support these very talented student writers who I have been training for over 20 years, and to create a fully student-centered production—from the playwrights and actors to the designers and producers, " said Professor Denise J. Hart
Featured Works:
5 Minutes — by Essence Jackson
Set outside a nightclub in the early hours of the morning, 5 Minutes follows two ex-lovers who unexpectedly reunite in the alley after last call. What begins as small talk quickly unravels into an emotionally charged confrontation about love, timing, and the choices that define who we become. In just five minutes, they navigate the pain of what was lost and the possibility of acceptance—reminding us that being ready for love means little if both hearts aren’t in sync.
Echo Chamber — by Kevoy Sommerville
In Echo Chamber, a wife named Echo faces the dissonance within her own home as she struggles against her husband’s disrespect and emotional control. Set in the family’s living room on a tense evening, the play exposes the silencing of women’s voices and the courage it takes to reclaim one’s identity. Through sharp dialogue and aching silence, Echo discovers that freedom begins the moment she dares to hear her own voice above the noise.
Incline — by Joycelyn Sophia Jackson
Incline takes place on a gravel trail in California’s Bay Area, where a brother and sister embark on a hike to honor their late mother. As they ascend, the trail becomes both a physical and emotional climb toward healing. Through memories, arguments, and moments of quiet connection, the siblings confront grief, guilt, and the unspoken love that binds them. The journey ultimately leads them to forgiveness and a shared understanding of what it means to keep moving forward.
Two Sides to Black — by Efeoghene Rhonor
During what should be a fun game night in a Houston apartment, cultural tensions rise between a group of African and African American friends in Two Sides to Black. As laughter gives way to pointed questions and raw confessions, the play dives into issues of heritage, belonging, and the sometimes-fraught relationship within the Black diaspora. What emerges is a spirited and necessary conversation about identity, unity, and the beauty of learning to see oneself reflected in another’s story.
“Ever since the 2020 pandemic, Black joy has been a trending topic,” said Hart. “Whether it’s on stage or screen, audiences want to experience stories that reflect the diverse expression of the Black diaspora. These playwrights reclaim and interrogate Black joy through deeply vulnerable relationships — siblings, partners, marriages, and friendships — and I’m moved by how they pursue joy by any means necessary.”
The student playwrights view the experience as both an artistic milestone and a journey of personal growth. “Before coming to Howard, I had no intention of becoming a playwright,” said Sommerville. “Being here has shown me that I have a voice worth sharing with the world — and a responsibility to be a contributor, not just a consumer.”
Dr. Khalid Y. Long, associate dean for research and creative endeavors and interim chair of the Department of Theatre Arts, emphasized the showcase’s importance to Howard’s artistic mission. “Events like this help us fulfill our role as the center of the Black dramatic narrative,” he said. “These plays demonstrate rigor, creativity, and a deep seriousness about the craft of storytelling.”
When asked about the audience reception, Professor Hart said the proof is in the pudding. “It was absolutely outstanding, and that’s because the audience response tells the tale. When you have a production where the audience doesn’t want to leave the lobby afterwards, that’s a very significant sign of how deeply they were engaged,” she said.
As one of the nation’s leading institutions for arts education, the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts continues to honor its namesake’s legacy by nurturing bold voices and expanding the canon of Black theatre. With “Young Griots,” Howard once again affirms its place as a cradle of creativity where young artists write, act, and imagine futures rooted in truth, culture, and joy.
