Removing the Mask: A Season of Revelation and Restoration

 As actors, we put on the mask to tell universal truths but as humans and especially as African Americans we often put on the mask that grins and lies (as Paul Laurence Dunbar so eloquently coined it). This mask is often filled with historical and cultural mitochondria memory of injustice. So, we continue to recover from and fight against racial discrimination whose venom still stings sharply at many aspects of our existence. It is upon this premise that we open the doors to our 73rd season yelling the sentiments of Thornton Wilder and bringing affirmation of the strength, worth, contributions, and beauty of marginalized people. Art is that necessary sustenance for the soul of mankind to become tangible, harmonic, and even loving. 

Maintaining artistic purpose, we promise to continue our efforts at providing excellence in service to the community and the university; to perpetuate a high level of personal, scholastic, cultural and artistic development of our students; and to expand our positive theatrical impact. Our global community demands that we put forth every effort at increasing theatrical exposure beyond present boundaries. With my absolute commitment coupled with the enlightened and invaluable support of the University Administration, our Dean, and the Friends of the Theatre; Full Time Professors Arthur Reese, Nadia Bodie-Smith, Kristi Johnson, and Kenneth Hinton; Adjunct Professors Irving Truitt, Nicole Sainworla, Toya Chinfloo, Howard Craft, and Shrease Johnson Brown, we will continue to offer unparalleled artistic offerings.

 NCCU Department of Theatre continuously acknowledges the late Dr. Johnny B. Alston and his contributions to the strength of NCCU Theatre. Because of the firm foundation that he and those before him like Dr. Linda Norfleet, Ms. Karen Dacons-Brock, Ms. Nancy Pinckney, and Baba Chuck established, a legacy of generations of artists keep coming… keep going… keep building… keep creating… keep making the world a better place. 

 As always, we measure our success by the achievements of our former students who have progressed to make theatre a practical and sustaining part of their lives. We humbly thank the young men and women who have allowed us to be of service to them in their quest for a meaningful education. Our theatre majors, both past and present, are the only reasons for our endeavor. We acknowledge them with our highest salute. 

 We believe as Willem Dafoe, "Great theatre is about challenging how we think and encouraging us to fantasize about a world we aspire to.” We invite you to join us in the 2023-2024 season as we are poised to continue our journey of artistic excellence. 

 Peace & Blessings,

Dr. Asabi (S. Howard)

Chairperson

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