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A diverse group of individuals poses together in front of a backdrop featuring the National Black Theatre logo. The people in the photo are wearing a variety of colorful and stylish outfits. The backdrop and the individuals are illuminated with bright lighting, enhancing their expressions and attire.
Myths: The People Who Carry The Sky
 Photo courtesy of Ashley Antwi
A cheerful moment is captured between two friends. On the left, a person wears a vibrant orange beret, round glasses, and a colorful scarf with intricate patterns. They have in-ear headphones and a bag strap crosses their chest. On the right, another person is dressed in a sleeveless white top, displaying a warm and genuine smile.
Myths: The People Who Carry The Sky
 Photo courtesy of Ashley Antwi
Two individuals are seated on a white bench in a dimly lit setting, focusing on their expressions and emotions. The person in the foreground, wearing glasses and a light purple shirt, appears to be deeply engaged in an emotional moment, holding up a hand and conveying intensity. The person in the background, dressed in orange and yellow, looks contemplative, with a distant gaze, hands resting on their lap. The atmosphere suggests a theatrical performance or a dramatic narrative.
Public presentation of “Black Mother Lost Daughter” by CRNY artist Fedna Jacquet
 Photo courtesy of Ashley Antwi
Two individuals sit on a wooden stage, framed by vertical wooden beams. One person wears a light-colored hoodie and jeans, with their arms wrapped around their knees, appearing deep in thought. The other, dressed in a casual button-up shirt and jeans, sits beside them, looking forward pensively.
Public presentation of “Black Mother Lost Daughter” by CRNY artist Fedna Jacquet
 Photo courtesy of Ashley Antwi
A grand stage with a prominent display of the event title 'The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout' projected onto a backdrop featuring a cosmic and forest theme. The stage is bustling with a full orchestra ensemble preparing for a performance, with musicians seated and surrounded by various musical instruments. Two individuals stand on the left, perhaps performers or hosts, engaging with the audience. The right side is adorned with a vibrant pink curtain that adds an element of drama to the setting.
The Gathering
 Photo courtesy of Ngozi Anyanwu
Seven individuals are standing in a semi-circle posing for the camera in a well-lit room. The group consists of a diverse set of people showcasing a range of personal styles. On the left, a person in a striped sweater poses confidently, while next to them, an individual in a white shirt gestures playfully. At the center, a person in a bright pink shirt adds vibrancy to the group. Next to them, a person wears a red floral top and denim shorts, energetically posing with a smile. Two more individuals stand to the right; one wears a dark-colored cap and casual outfit, while the other is dressed in a white hoodie and black pants. On the far right, a person in black attire points directly towards the camera.
 Photo courtesy of Ngozi Anyanwu
Four brightly colored Post-it notes are taped onto a dark surface, each displaying various handwritten messages and guidelines. The notes are in orange, yellow, green, and pink, arranged in a square pattern. The orange note in the top left corner contains instructions to 'Step forward, step back,' and encouragement like 'We can handle this.' The yellow note in the top right declares the space as 'sacred' and emphasizes checking intentions and promises. The green note in the bottom left advices 'Trust the leader,' with comments on shared leadership and self-reflection. In the bottom right corner, the pink note discusses acting 'from a place of love' with emphasis on transparency and honesty.
 Photo courtesy of Ngozi Anyanwu

The Collaboration

Fedna Jacquet and Ngozi Anyanwu worked with National Black Theatre as artists-in-residence. This position gave each artist time, space, and resources to create their own work while serving as artistic ambassadors for National Black Theatre to further the organization’s mentoring, education, and theatrical endeavors. Fedna developed new works, including the curation of Myths: The People Who Carry the Sky, at Lincoln Center to highlight Haitian artists and their significance to the diasporic black community. Ngozi took her time and space to write three new plays. Both artists also helped to mentor early career playwrights, in addition to helping NBT with the selection process of future artists in residence.

The Organization

National Black Theatre uses a multidisciplinary theatrical approach as a means to center, humanize, and heal Black communities through the power of unapologetic Black storytelling. NBT’s unique approach to Black liberation, art, and placemaking act as a change agent to combat systemic oppression, and creates the space for human transformation.

Working with Ngozi and Fedna for two years has opened up new and exciting doors for NBT and it could not have been done without the steadfast support of this program. Ashley Antwi
The National Black Theatre gave us the space to flourish as artists. They prioritized our rest, creativity, and passion in a priceless experience that I wish could continue forever! Fedna Jacquet
The community was able to reflect on serious issues brought forth through the art in a conducive environment centered on breath and healing.
Artists
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Fedna Jacquet
Ngozi-Anyanwu_thumbnail.jpg
Ngozi Anyanwu
Location
New York, NY
Communities Served
Immigrant
LGBTQIA+