Théâtre du Rêve Honors Pioneering Aviator Bessie Coleman

The theater's spring 2026 production "Queen Bess" celebrates the life of the first Black and Native American woman to earn a pilot's license.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 7:00pm

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Théâtre du Rêve, an Atlanta-based theater company, will present "Queen Bess" in March 2026, a production that honors the life and achievements of Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman and Native American to earn an international pilot's license. The play, written by Amina S. McIntyre, will be performed in English and French with English supertitles at the 7 Stages theater in the city's Little Five Points neighborhood.

Why it matters

Bessie Coleman overcame significant racial and gender discrimination in the early 20th century to achieve her dream of becoming a pilot, paving the way for future generations of women and people of color in aviation. The Théâtre du Rêve production aims to celebrate her legacy and inspire audiences.

The details

Due to Jim Crow laws and gender discrimination in the United States, Coleman had to teach herself French and travel to France to earn her pilot's license in 1921, becoming the first Black woman and first Native American to achieve that milestone. The 70-minute production of "Queen Bess" will be appropriate for all ages.

  • The play will run from March 11-29, 2026.
  • Performances will take place at 7 Stages in Atlanta's Little Five Points neighborhood.

The players

Théâtre du Rêve

An Atlanta-based theater company that is staging the production of "Queen Bess" to honor the life of Bessie Coleman.

Amina S. McIntyre

The playwright who authored "Queen Bess," the play that celebrates the life of pioneering aviator Bessie Coleman.

Bessie Coleman

The first Black woman and Native American to earn an international pilot's license, overcoming significant racial and gender discrimination in the early 20th century.

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The takeaway

The Théâtre du Rêve production of "Queen Bess" aims to shine a light on the remarkable achievements of Bessie Coleman and inspire audiences to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face.