The Indianapolis Black Theatre Company (IBTC) announced its 2026 season, ushering in another year of growth and continued commitment to Black storytelling.
One of the resident theater companies housed at the District Theatre, the IBTC’s mission is rooted in uplifting humanity “through transformative storytelling” and guided by the organization’s core values: love, excellence and support. The IBTC’s 2026 season aims to position the organization artistically and culturally, reinforcing its role as a “creative home for Black voices” and a space for meaningful dialogue, according to a press release.
“This season represents where we are going as a company,” IBTC Artistic Director Tijideen Rowley shared. “We are committed to bold work, professional growth, and creating spaces where Black stories are not only told, but they are celebrated.”
The IBTC’s 2026 season was “curated with deep intention,” centering voices that aspire to challenge, heal and inspire, according to a press release. The onstage selections aim to reflect IBTC’s ongoing commitment to artistic integrity, community engagement and transformational impact.
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Kicking off the season April 16-26, IBTC presents Dominique Morisseau’s “Blood at the Root.”
Inspired by the “Jena Six” case, which sparked racial tensions when six Black high school students were charged with attempted murder after getting into a fight with a white student when nooses were hung from a tree on school grounds. “Blood at the Root” uses music, dance and poetry to mirror the emotional landscape many young people must navigate in the present day.
Directed by Daniel A. Martin, “Blood at the Root” speaks to a younger generation with a sense of urgency, movement and poetic truth, according to a press release. Throughout the duration of the production, IBTC will partner with local schools and community organizations to make the show accessible to you as well as invite young audiences into the space for dialogue, reflection and empowerment.
“The Colored Museum” by George C. Wolfe will take the stage later in the summer, running July 2-11. Directed by Deobrah Asante, the production was chosen for the stage through anonymous submissions by IBTC’s company members, and represents an intentional act of support to ensure artists are active participants in shaping the creative future, according to a press release.
A satirical revue, “The Colored Museum” explores 11 “exhibits” or sketches that confront, subvert and celebrate different aspects of Black American culture and stereotypes — including slavery, systematic racism and generational trauma.
Closing out the season, DP Demarco is set to direct “Kila’Delphia the Stage Play.” Running Sept. 17-27, the play “confronts the realities of violence, addiction and systemic struggle impacting Black communities” while simultaneously highlighting the role faith plays as a source of hope and resilience. “Kila’Delphia the Stage Play” speaks to both younger and older generations, featuring storytelling that offers possibility without looking away from the truth; reminding audiences that healing requires honesty, compassion and “belief in something greater,” according to a press release.
Through these three productions, IBTC will present audiences with an expansive portrait of Black life through theater, examining themes of identity, justice, joy, trauma, resilience and celebration. The 2026 season is more than just a line of up shows; it’s an “investment in artists, audiences and the long-term sustainability of Black theatre in Indianapolis,” according to a press release.
“Each show embodies IBTC’s belief that storytelling is a tool for healing, connection and transformation,” the press release states. “By centering Love, Excellence and Support in every rehearsal room, every performance and every audience experience, IBTC continues to build a theatre culture where artists are uplifted and communities are strengthened.”
Tickets for the IBTC’s 2026 season are now on sale. For more information about shows, auditions or tickets, visit indydistricttheatre.org.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
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