In 2025 Kate Dorney and Lerato Mokate researched and created an exhibition and set of blog posts focussed specifically on Black Theatre history for Black History Month funded by the University of Manchester.
The aim of the project was to create wider awareness of the historical presence of Black artists working in the performing arts and the range and scope of their work. The topics were selected following conversations with Black researchers, teachers, archives and artists and aimed to providing a starting point for people to go on their journey of discovery and inspiration.
You can read more about the project aims and the blog posts below:
Intro: What is Black Theatre History Month?
Black Theatre History Month: Day 1 – The Wind of Change
Black Theatre History Month: Day 2 – Fix Up
Black Theatre History Month: Day 3 – Princess and the Hustler
Black Theatre History Month: Day 4 – Black History Month
Black Theatre History Month: Day 5 – In Dahomey
Black Theatre History Month: Day 6 – Advice for the Young at Heart
Black Theatre History Month: Day 7 – Alfred Fagon Awards
Black Theatre History Month: Day 8 – Grandad Anansi
Black Theatre History Month: Day 9 – Moon on a Rainbow Shawl
Black Theatre History Month: Day 10 – The Story of M
Black Theatre History Month: Day 11 – Plays About Black History
Black Theatre History Month: Day 12 – Ira Aldridge
Black Theatre History Month: Day 13 – Queer Black Plays
Black Theatre History Month: Day 14 – Black Theatre History Resources for Teachers
Black Theatre History Month: Day 15 – Hot Orange
Black Theatre History Month: Day 16 – Leave Taking
Black Theatre History Month: Day 17 – Black Jacobins
Black Theatre History Month: Day 18 – Black British Theatre Companies
Black Theatre History Month: Day 19 – The Lily of Bermuda
Black Theatre History Month: Day 20 – Black Plays Archive
Black Theatre History Month: Day 21 – Othello
Black Theatre History Month: Day 22 – Look to the Sky
Black Theatre History Month: Day 23 – Barber Shop Chronicles
Black Theatre History Month: Day 24 – Plays for Teenagers
Black Theatre History Month: Day 25 – Black Shakespeare
Black Theatre History Month: Day 26 – Refugee Boy
Black Theatre History Month: Day 27 – Plays for Solo Performers
Black Theatre History Month: Day 28 – Anasi Plays
Black Theatre History Month: Day 29 – Flash Trash
Black Theatre History Month: Day 30 – Rockets and Blue Lights