BLACK POETRY THEATER
TELLING STORIES THROUGH VERSE AND PERFORMANCE
CURRENT SEASON
Upcoming Show
Death of Cochise
Spoken Word/Hip Hop/Theatre
Carolina Theatre of Durham
August 20 & 21, 2024
Every Change Has A Tipping Point
It is summer. Two emcee poets leave home to meet and prepare for their show that night. As they navigate through the city, they witness rising tensions and frustrations at every corner. Families are struggling, the youth are anxious and blackness is being manipulated. When news of a life lost hits, the two artists know they have to do something before the community explodes. Can they use their show as a way to provide healing and direction to those who feel pushed to the edge and overlooked?
Told through a combination of verse, drama, and imagery, Death of Cochise takes audiences on a journey through identity, culture, struggle, responsibility and accountability. This multi-media production stars award winning poets and performing artists Dasan Ahanu and Bluz. Led by these two dynamic artists, this Hip Hop and Spoken Word production uses the art of emceeing, cinematography, and compelling storytelling to talk about Black life and the value of Black creative expression.
Death of Cochise was created by Dasan Ahanu and is directed by Quentin Talley.
Season Overview
A Season of Mystery
For our 2024-2025 season we will be embarking on a journey of mystery, exploration and discovery. We will have three shows for you, one in the fall, one in the winter and one in the spring. Be prepared to laugh, wonder, question, and uncover as you go on this adventure with us.
Get Involved: Donate Now
Founders
Joseph “Church” Churchwell is a creative graphic designer and project manager with more than 10 years of experience in design, branding and marketing development. His company, JRC3, produces billboards, T-shirts, logos, flyers/posters, marketing and branding campaigns. Church is also a poet, spoken word artist, motivational speaker and playwright.
Church Da Poet
Technical Director
Dasan Ahanu is a award winning poet and performance artist, public speaker, community organizer, educator, scholar and emcee. He has performed across the country, appeared on national radio and TV, published three books of poetry, been featured in various periodicals and released numerous recordings. He works with organizations and institutions to develop effective arts strategies to enhance their work in the community.
