Thu 10/23-Sat 11/8
Cleveland-based spoken word artist/filmmaker Chris Webb’s new play, The End of Black Excellence, revolves around man who is the first Black person born without the highly touted “Black excellence.” “In his attempt to prove this theory wrong, he puts on an (ever-failing) solo show to prove his worth, value, and connection with the elusive excellence that he craves,” the synopsis tells us.
Webb, a Cleveland School of the Arts graduate, has performed his original spoken-word pieces around the world, created documentaries about marginalized communities, won awards for his advertising work. In The End of Black Excellence, we’re told “Chris merges all of his practices into a piece that reflects on survival, self-acceptance, and the power of mentorship in life’s most critical moments.”
When the play is performed at Cleveland Public Theatre’s James Levin Theatre for the next three weeks, Webb will be performing the central role, with noted local theater director/visual artist/writer Jimmie Woody directing.
Special performances include free beverage Fridays when ticketholders can mingle with CPT staff and artists and enjoy free beer, wine and coffee; Covid-conscious Saturdays on October 26 and November 2 when masks (which they can provide) are required; a post-show reception on October 25; and a post-show talk with Webb on October 30. There’s also a performance on Monday November 3 that includes a pre-show pop-up market featuring local makers and businesses.
Go here for tickets.