Season 6 (2023-2024)
We all hold multiple identities. Ones that are imposed upon us, ones we were born into, ones that we chose and ones that we dream of. How do they impact how we see ourselves, how we see the world, or how the world sees us? Join us as our 6th season explores these questions and more!
The Chinese Lady
Afong Moy is fourteen years old when she’s brought to the United States from Guangzhou Province in 1834. Allegedly the first Chinese woman to set foot on U.S. soil, she has been put on display for the American public as “The Chinese Lady.” For the next half-century, she performs for curious white people, showing them how she eats, what she wears, and the highlight of the event: how she walks with bound feet. As the decades wear on, her celebrated sideshow comes to define and challenge her very sense of identity. Inspired by the true story of Afong Moy’s life, THE CHINESE LADY is a dark, poetic, yet whimsical portrait of America through the eyes of a young Chinese woman.
by Lloyd Suh
Directed by Jeremy Stevens
Sept 1 – Sept 10, 2023
World Stage Studio – 1130 S. Harvard
A Man of No Importance
This very special production presented by our International Guests, Scrambled Egg Theatre Company all the way from London, England, does not have a single spoken word – there is no written text. Norman – a man of no importance – works as a cleaner at MI6, the headquarters of British Intelligence. He dreams of becoming a secret agent like James Bond. At work he is ignored and mistreated by colleagues until a strange series of events cause him to discover a secret and dangerous plot. The production is set to a musical score inspired by spy and secret agent movies of the 1960s and 70s.
Presented by London’s Scrambled Egg Theatre Company
September 15, 2023 – ONE NIGHT ONLY
Tulsa Performing Arts – Liddy Doenges Theatre
Reflections
In 1921, the resilient citizens of Greenwood, an all-Black community in Tulsa, face a devastating racial conflict that escalates into an unstoppable tragedy. In the present day, the people of Tulsa confront a new challenge: how to comprehend and impart our history to future generations. Delving into the depths of prejudice and humanity, the characters grapple with complex choices, exploring themes of salvation, compassion, and personal beliefs. Back by popular demand! This show received critical success and audience acclaim in 2020 and we are honored to facilitate its return.
by Obum Ukabam and Bailey James
Directed by Obum Ukabam
October 20-29
Tulsa Performing Arts Center – Liddy Doenges Theatre
Special Event!
The Queen’s Gambit
Featuring Tracy la Louisianne
Join the fabulous Tracy la Louisianne for a fun night of comedy, music, games, prizes and of course, Drag huntie! All proceeds to benefit World Stage. Tracy got her start with World Stage and
is excited to give back!
November 18, 2023
World Stage Studio – 1130 S. Harvard, Tulsa
Special Event!
Kids Just Be Sayin’ Stuff
Hosted by Nash McQuarters
December 15-17, 2023
Dec. 15 at 7pm, Dec. 16th at 3pm, Dec. 17th at 3pm
This original production about the history of Tulsa’s Black Wall Street, the 1921 Massacre, and the current experiences of Tulsa today as a result of this history will take us on an emotional ride through a variety of true stories. The play weaves the narrative of the historical account of the Massacre with true stories of people who live in Tulsa today. These stories were collected in the summer 2017 and are told by a company of all-black actors living in Tulsa. The historical stories were collected by Mary E. Jones Parrish in 1921 just weeks after the disastrous event. All stories are based on factual archival research found in newspapers, TU, and OSU-Tulsa.
Choir Boy
The Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys is dedicated to the creation of strong, ethical black men. Pharus wants nothing more than to take his rightful place as leader of the school’s legendary gospel choir. Can he find his way inside the hallowed halls of this institution if he sings in his own key? Choir Boy is an exploration of the intersection of race and sexuality through brilliant storytelling, music, and syncopated step dancing.
Choir Boy by Tarell Alvin McCraney
Directed by Justin Daniels
NEW DATES!
April 4-7, 2024
Tulsa Performing Arts Center – Liddy Doenges Theatre
Identity Crisis
This show is canceled until further notice!
Three workshops with local playwrights, actors, teachers and directors focused on creating and telling stories of identity in our community. Workshops will run three hours, focusing on different aspects of writing and performing stories of personal identity on stage. Each participant will have the opportunity to share, write, and even perform their stories. Performers and visual artists from different backgrounds are also invited to attend and contribute. The workshops will culminate in performances. Attendance and submissions are open to all, whatever your experience in theatre! Join us in creating a one-of-a-kind production that reflects our unique individual and community identities.
Identity Crisis compiled by Angela McLaughlin
Directed by Angela McLaughlin
CANCELED FOR 2024!
Big, Scary Animals
What begins as polite dinner conversation with their gay, multi-ethnic neighbors careens out of control. A hilarious collision of race, sex, guns, and sports, BIG, SCARY ANIMALS examines shifting generational beliefs and just how hard it is to raise a child regardless of who you are and where you live.