Black Theatre Night

April 11, 2026

Join us for Black Theatre Night! An affinity night championing Black Theatre-makers and the vibrant Black community of Bucks County and beyond. Experience Jelly’s Last Jam, light refreshments at a pre-show social mixer, and an optional post-show conversation with the show’s stars!

Refreshments 7pm | Show time 8pm

Jelly’s Last Jam: Step into the electrifying world of jazz legend Jelly Roll Morton in Jelly’s Last Jam! This Tony Award-winning musical takes you on a thrilling journey through the life, music, and complex legacy of the self-proclaimed inventor of jazz. Told through dazzling choreography, powerful storytelling, and Morton’s iconic music, the show explores his meteoric rise, struggle with identity, and the cultural impact of his groundbreaking sound. As Jelly reflects on his past from the afterlife, he must confront the truths he tried to outrun.

Jazz • Tap Dancing • Musical

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Bristol Riverside Theatre’s Black Theatre Night Mission

The mission of Black Theatre Night (BTN) is to center, celebrate, and welcome Black audiences to experience live theatre in community.

Black Theatre Night centers and affirms vibrant Black culture, language, expression, and experience both onstage and in the audience.

Black Theatre Night is not simply about ticketing demographics but about cultivating a welcoming environment where Black audiences feel fully seen and heard.

Longstanding systemic barriers have been obstacles to theatergoing for many Black communities. Black Theatre Night actively aims to reduce those barriers.

Black Theater Night is not a one-time event—it is a pathway to deeper, reciprocal relationships with Black communities. 

There is a transformative power when Black artists perform for audiences that share or deeply understand their lived experiences.

Black Theatre Night should not function as a performative gesture but as part of BRT’s broader commitment to equity. 

Black Theatre Night History
  • Black Theatre Night performances originated in 2019 with Jeremy O. Harris’ Broadway hit Slave Play.
  • Black Theatre Night performances have since spread to theaters in Boston, London, D.C, Philadelphia, and now Bristol, PA
“It’s not a ‘blacks only’ theatre performance, it’s an affinity night for black audience members to rectify the decades of exclusion from theaters in their communities. This is not segregation but an attempt at radically integrating a theatre-going audience that is underserved.”
– Jeremy O. Harris

LEARN MORE

Black Out Nite Origin: Click here.
Jeremy O. Harris: Click here.

Important Event Information

  • Free parking.
  • Refreshments will be served.
  • Wheelchair accessible; assisted listening devices available.

  • The play will take place at Bristol Riverside Theatre located at 120 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA.

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