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Apollo Presents: The Fire This Time Festival

January 24, 2026 7:30 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, exploring 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 lineup features a diverse range of humorous, moving, pointed, and political plays.
Directed by the esteemed Ken-Matt Martin, known for his visionary work.

Who Should Attend

Theater lovers, supporters of diverse and emerging voices, and those interested in thought-provoking, socially-conscious storytelling will enjoy this event.

In the Spotlight

Ken-Matt Martin

A preeminent director and creator, known for his visionary work in amplifying underrepresented voices in theater.

Kelley Nicole Girod

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