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Apollo Presents: The Fire This Time Festival

January 24, 2026 2:30 pm

The Apollo's Jonelle Procope Theater
233 West 125th Street, New York, NY 10027

Don't miss the 17th Annual Fire This Time Festival at The Apollo's Jonelle Procope Theater, featuring six world-premiere 10-minute plays directed by acclaimed director Ken-Matt Martin. This festival provides a platform for early career playwrights of African and African American descent to explore a wide range of themes and perspectives.

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Why We Like It

The Fire This Time Festival has been amplifying underrepresented voices in theater since 2009.
The festival showcases a diverse lineup of humorous, moving, pointed, and political plays.
Directed by the renowned Ken-Matt Martin, these world-premiere productions promise an engaging and thought-provoking experience.

Who Should Attend

This event is perfect for theater enthusiasts, supporters of diverse and emerging playwrights, and those interested in exploring thought-provoking themes through the lens of African and African American perspectives.

In the Spotlight

Ken-Matt Martin

A preeminent director and creator, Ken-Matt Martin is at the helm of the six world-premiere 10-minute plays featured in the 17th Annual Fire This Time Festival.

Kelley Nicole Girod

Playwright and Apollo's Director of New Works, Kelley Nicole Girod founded the Fire This Time Festival in 2009 to provide a platform for early career playwrights of African and African American descent.

About the Venue

The Apollo's Jonelle Procope Theater

The Apollo's Jonelle Procope Theater is a historic venue in New York City that has been a hub for groundbreaking performances and cultural events for decades.