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By the People, for the People

Century of Black Theater Making: Living Legacy Gwendolen Hardwick

March 19, 2026 7:30 pm

The Apollo's Victoria Theater 1
233 West 125th Stree, New York, NY 10027

The Apollo Theater will host an evening in celebration of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Cultures centennial, honoring the legendary Harlem-based theater artist and writer Gwendolen Hardwick. The event will feature scene readings and poetry drawn from Hardwick's expansive body of work, alongside excerpts by Dominique Morisseau and Claro de los Reyes performed by Morriseau, de los Reyes, LaVonda Elam, and Nsangou Njikam, all of whom have studied under Hardwick's mentorship. The evening will culminate with a conversation moderated by Kevin R. Free.

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Why We Like It

  • Celebrate the centennial of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Cultures, a vital institution for preserving and showcasing Black culture.
  • Honor the legacy of Gwendolen Hardwick, a pioneering theater artist and writer who has shaped creative spaces for Black and queer women in New York.
  • Experience performances by acclaimed artists who have been mentored by Hardwick, offering a glimpse into her profound influence on the next generation.

Who Should Attend

This event will appeal to theater enthusiasts, fans of Black culture and history, and those interested in the contributions of pioneering artists and activists who have shaped the creative landscape of Harlem and beyond.

In the Spotlight

Gwendolen Hardwick

A legendary Harlem-based theater artist and writer who co-founded the Flamboyant Ladies Theater Company with Alexis De Veaux. Hardwick has dedicated over four decades to shaping and sustaining vital creative spaces for Black and queer women writers and performers in New York.

Dominique Morisseau

An acclaimed playwright and screenwriter who has studied under Hardwick's mentorship and will be performing excerpts of her work during the event.

Claro de los Reyes

A performer who has also been mentored by Hardwick and will be presenting excerpts of her work alongside Morisseau, Elam, and Njikam.

LaVonda Elam

A performer who has studied under Hardwick's mentorship and will be showcasing her talents during the event.

Nsangou Njikam

A performer who has been mentored by Hardwick and will be participating in the event's performances.

About the Venue

The Apollo's Victoria Theater

The Victoria Theater is a historic performance venue located within the iconic Apollo Theater complex in Harlem, New York. Known for its intimate setting and excellent acoustics, the Victoria Theater has been a hub for showcasing Black artistic excellence for decades.

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