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UPCOMING EVENTS
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Funded in part by the Texas Commission on the Arts and by the City of Houston through the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, the Fade To Black Reading Series returns with a vibrant lineup of new short plays that explore the depth, humor, tension, and beauty of the African American experience. This annual event is the premier artistic offering of Shabach Enterprise and continues our long tradition of discovering and elevating emerging Black playwrights.
Each year, writers from across the country submit bold new stories that introduce fresh voices and perspectives in Black theatre. Audiences will experience staged readings of ten original plays presented over one exciting weekend. This season’s selections span comedy, drama, social commentary, sci-fi, and relationship satire, offering a dynamic mix that reflects the richness of Black storytelling today.
The Reading Series is a space where new work comes to life. Audiences enjoy an intimate first look at developing scripts, while playwrights gain valuable feedback that helps shape their work. The event creates a shared environment where artists and patrons connect, listen, respond, and celebrate the ongoing evolution of new Black theatre.
Shabach Enterprise is proud to present this nationally recognized platform that has brought distinction to the City of Houston and has provided a vital launchpad for playwrights across the United States. Through the Reading Series, we continue our mission to support African American artists, expand creative opportunity, and bring new narratives to the stage.
Join us for a weekend of powerful stories, new voices, and unforgettable moments in contemporary Black theatre.
https://matchouston.org/events/2026/fade-black-reading-series
General Admission Seating
SPECIALS
Thursday, January 22
7:30 pm
Pay-What-You-Can Dress Rehearsal
Friday, January 23
7:30 pm
$30 in advance/$40 at the door
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Saturday, January 24 & Sunday, January 25
7:30 / 3:00 pm
$35 in advance/$45 at the door
Join us for a TALKBACK after the Saturday night show!
Please note that each ticket is subject to a $5 service fee at checkout.
THE SHOW
Act I:
Two Cans of Chicken – Written by Clementine “Lois” Findlay, Directed by Celeste Cerenio
Ibanujẹ – Written by Deon Barksdale Jr., Directed by Devinaire Barnes
Behind the Barrel – Written by Melody R. King, Directed by Tevyn Washington
An Inconvenient Choice – Written by Frances Hall, Directed by Fahnlohnee Tate
Days of Our Lives – Written by Tracie E. Morrison, Directed by Suzanne King
Intermission
Act II:
The Coming Out (Out) Play – Written by Sheldon Shaw, Directed by Simeilia Hodge Dallaway
Unhoused – Written by Melanie Payne, Directed by Makaylee Secrest
P I S D – Written by Damian Hawkins, Directed by Earll Washington
A Tear in Time – Written by Joe Lewis, Directed by Melita Washington
Betrayal at the Zone of Death – Written by Christian Wilburn, Directed by Ryhan Brown