Roger Guenveur Smith Brings Solo Performance
IN HONOR OF JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT,
to August Wilson African American Cultural Center
Thursday, February 27, 2025
PITTSBURGH, PA, February 20, 2025 – The August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) is proud to present acclaimed actor Roger Guenveur Smith in his latest solo performance, IN HONOR OF JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT, on February 27, 2025, at 7:30 PM. This powerful theatrical tribute, presented in partnership with Pittsburgh Public Theater and The House of Life Pittsburgh, explores the enduring legacy of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat through Smith’s signature blend of storytelling, history, and poetic lyricism.
Praised by critics as a “spellbinding … storytelling master class” (Minnesota Star Tribune), IN HONOR OF JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT draws from Smith’s personal friendship with Basquiat, whose meteoric rise in the art world was marked by groundbreaking creativity and a tragic loss at the age of 27. The performance captures Basquiat’s cultural and artistic resonance, reflecting his engagement with history, poetry, and encyclopedic musical references.
Previously presented at the Brooklyn Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles, as well as an acclaimed run at St. Paul’s Penumbra Theatre, Smith’s performance has captivated audiences with its poignant and evocative storytelling. TalkinBroadway.com hailed it as “a blend of poetic vision and searing reality … a beautiful piece of stagecraft that transmits a hero’s journey to our eyes, our ears, and our hearts.”
Roger Guenveur Smith is widely recognized for his innovative theatrical works, including A HUEY P. NEWTON STORY, which won an Obie Award and was adapted into a Peabody Award-winning telefilm, and RODNEY KING, which earned a Bessie Award and is currently streaming on Netflix. Both projects were directed by his longtime collaborator, Spike Lee, and featured music by Marc Anthony Thompson, who will also provide live sound design for BASQUIAT.
AWAACC previously presented Smith’s JUAN AND JOHN, inspired by baseball greats Juan Marichal and John Roseboro, as well as his signature work FREDERICK DOUGLASS NOW. The Center is honored to welcome him back for another extraordinary evening of performance and storytelling.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a singular tribute to one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. IN HONOR OF JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT promises an unforgettable evening of theatrical mastery, described by the New York Times as “Roger Guenveur Smith gets it all and gets it brilliantly.”
TICKETS AND INFORMATIONTickets for IN HONOR OF JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT are available now: $30 in advance / $40 at the door. Student discounts are available. For more information and to purchase, visit awaacc.org.
ABOUT AUGUST WILSON AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is a nonprofit cultural organization located in Pittsburgh’s cultural district that generates artistic, educational, and community initiatives that advance the legacy of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson. One of the largest cultural centers in the country focused exclusively on the African American experience and the celebration of Black culture and the African diaspora, the non-profit organization welcomes more than 100,000 visitors locally and nationally. Through year-round programming across multiple genres, such as the annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, Black Bottom Film Festival, AWCommunity Days, TRUTHSayers speaker series, and rotating art exhibits in its galleries, the Center provides a platform for established and emerging artists of color whose work reflects the universal issues of identity that Wilson tackled, and which still resonate today.
Major support for AWAACC’s operations is provided by Richard King Mellon Foundation, Henry L. Hillman Foundation, Heinz Endowments, and the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD). AWAACC’s programming is made possible by generous support from its donors. For a complete list, visit our website. www.awaacc.org
Interested in opportunities like this? Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on socials to stay updated.
ABOUT PITTSBURGH PUBLIC THEATER
Pittsburgh Public Theater strives to be a true public theater to the Pittsburgh region and welcomes more than 70,000 guests through the doors of the O’Reilly Theater every year. The Public is renowned for its exceptional mix of programming, featuring American classics, world premieres, new adaptations, and favorite musicals. Its commitment to education and engagement initiatives is a cornerstone of its mission and includes the signature Shakespeare Monologue & Scene Contest and innovative community partnerships. The O’Reilly Theater is a project of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
Pittsburgh Public Theater is under the leadership of Artistic Director Marya Sea Kaminski and Managing Director Shaunda McDill and celebrates its 50th season in 2024.
ABOUT THE HOUSE OF LIFE PITTSBURGH
The House of Life - Pittsburgh (HOL - PGH) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting formerly incarcerated individuals as they transition back into society. Founded by a group that includes former law enforcement officers, and individuals who have experienced long-term incarceration, the organization emphasizes restorative justice and community reintegration. The House of Life Pittsburgh exemplifies a collaborative approach to restorative justice, bringing together diverse perspectives to create meaningful change in the community.
Previously presented at the Brooklyn Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles, as well as an acclaimed run at St. Paul’s Penumbra Theatre, Smith’s performance has captivated audiences with its poignant and evocative storytelling. TalkinBroadway.com hailed it as “a blend of poetic vision and searing reality … a beautiful piece of stagecraft that transmits a hero’s journey to our eyes, our ears, and our hearts.”
Roger Guenveur Smith is widely recognized for his innovative theatrical works, including A HUEY P. NEWTON STORY, which won an Obie Award and was adapted into a Peabody Award-winning telefilm, and RODNEY KING, which earned a Bessie Award and is currently streaming on Netflix. Both projects were directed by his longtime collaborator, Spike Lee, and featured music by Marc Anthony Thompson, who will also provide live sound design for BASQUIAT.
AWAACC previously presented Smith’s JUAN AND JOHN, inspired by baseball greats Juan Marichal and John Roseboro, as well as his signature work FREDERICK DOUGLASS NOW. The Center is honored to welcome him back for another extraordinary evening of performance and storytelling.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a singular tribute to one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. IN HONOR OF JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT promises an unforgettable evening of theatrical mastery, described by the New York Times as “Roger Guenveur Smith gets it all and gets it brilliantly.”
TICKETS AND INFORMATIONTickets for IN HONOR OF JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT are available now: $30 in advance / $40 at the door. Student discounts are available. For more information and to purchase, visit awaacc.org.
ABOUT AUGUST WILSON AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is a nonprofit cultural organization located in Pittsburgh’s cultural district that generates artistic, educational, and community initiatives that advance the legacy of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson. One of the largest cultural centers in the country focused exclusively on the African American experience and the celebration of Black culture and the African diaspora, the non-profit organization welcomes more than 100,000 visitors locally and nationally. Through year-round programming across multiple genres, such as the annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, Black Bottom Film Festival, AWCommunity Days, TRUTHSayers speaker series, and rotating art exhibits in its galleries, the Center provides a platform for established and emerging artists of color whose work reflects the universal issues of identity that Wilson tackled, and which still resonate today.
Major support for AWAACC’s operations is provided by Richard King Mellon Foundation, Henry L. Hillman Foundation, Heinz Endowments, and the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD). AWAACC’s programming is made possible by generous support from its donors. For a complete list, visit our website. www.awaacc.org
Interested in opportunities like this? Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on socials to stay updated.
ABOUT PITTSBURGH PUBLIC THEATER
Pittsburgh Public Theater strives to be a true public theater to the Pittsburgh region and welcomes more than 70,000 guests through the doors of the O’Reilly Theater every year. The Public is renowned for its exceptional mix of programming, featuring American classics, world premieres, new adaptations, and favorite musicals. Its commitment to education and engagement initiatives is a cornerstone of its mission and includes the signature Shakespeare Monologue & Scene Contest and innovative community partnerships. The O’Reilly Theater is a project of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
Pittsburgh Public Theater is under the leadership of Artistic Director Marya Sea Kaminski and Managing Director Shaunda McDill and celebrates its 50th season in 2024.
ABOUT THE HOUSE OF LIFE PITTSBURGH
The House of Life - Pittsburgh (HOL - PGH) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting formerly incarcerated individuals as they transition back into society. Founded by a group that includes former law enforcement officers, and individuals who have experienced long-term incarceration, the organization emphasizes restorative justice and community reintegration. The House of Life Pittsburgh exemplifies a collaborative approach to restorative justice, bringing together diverse perspectives to create meaningful change in the community.
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Media Contacts:
Carolyn McClair | (212) 721-3341 | [email protected]
Amanda Brandes | (412) 567-2956 | [email protected]
Carolyn McClair | (212) 721-3341 | [email protected]
Amanda Brandes | (412) 567-2956 | [email protected]
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