In Richmond’s diverse arts scene, the BLK VA Theatre Alliance (BVTA) is making waves by spotlighting stories that don’t always get center stage. This nonprofit theater company, driven by a commitment to diversity, equity, and accessibility, is all about creating spaces where marginalized voices can shine.
In this interview, we talk with BVTA about their mission and the new production BLKS by Aziza Barnes—a comedy following the lives of three Black queer women in New York—only showing this weekend, get your tickets HERE.
As BVTA opens their season, “Woven in Ebony,” dedicated to showcasing Black women’s stories, they’re tackling big issues in a way that feels real and relatable. We discuss what BVTA aims to accomplish, how BLKS fits into that vision, and why they think Richmond’s theater scene is ready for something a little different.
Can you tell me about the BLK VA Theatre Alliance?
BVTA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) theatre company rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all artistic endeavors. Tariq Karriem became a professional stage manager in the Richmond theatre scene at age 17 and quickly realized the unspoken inequities in theatre, especially for technicians.
What are the primary goals of your organization?
To curate and maintain an artistic space that prioritizes marginalized communities. To create access and opportunities in theatre and intentionally dismantle the system of elitism and white supremacy that still exists.
I’ve read the press release, but could you share more details about the play BLKS?
BLKS is an amazing, raucous comedy set in 2015. It follows the lives of three Black queer women in New York. Written by New York poet Aziza Barnes, it is a story highlighting the humanity of Black women and queer women specifically. Often, Black women are subjected to a superhero trope that dehumanizes them by suggesting they don’t feel emotions. This play challenges that notion.
Who is the intended audience for this production?
It’s no coincidence that we’re opening on election weekend. We hope all audiences will come to relate to the full dimensions of these characters, who are flawed and relatable. We all share the human condition and the vices we use to cope. These young women have given me hope in dark times. The play also serves as a warning, showing how history can repeat itself if we’re not careful. It’s important to note that while DEI existed looosely in 2015, there were still many more systemic issues, particularly regarding racial equality and police brutality, especially in New York. That said, our season is dedicated to Black women, and they are our primary intended audience.
Could you tell me a bit about the director and writer of BLKS? How has their background influenced their desire to tell this story?
Elijah Brown is a BFA graduate from VCU in fashion with a minor in theatre . They also serve as a producer for the organization. When I first read this story, I immediately thought of them. We had recently discussed the lack of well-produced stories featuring femme queer characters in Richmond. Eli also shares an obsession with New York, the play’s setting, and has brought their life experiences to create a phenomenal production.
Aziza Barnes, the writer, originally wrote this piece as her master’s thesis. She later revised it and got it published and produced Off-Broadway. Aziza is a quiet Black writer with a unique voice that refuses to be filtered. This is evident in the play’s vulgar intimacy, language, and highly educated vocabulary.
What do you hope the audience will take away from the production?
I hope audiences feel comfortable having healthy dialogues post-show, sparked by the women’s experiences. For some, I hope it’s a healing experience. For others, I hope they feel heard and seen in our theatrical space and know that their experiences matter and are beautiful. I feel as though theatre in Richmond is becoming stagnant, no longer intentionally provoking thought, which is one of the most important roles of an artist, especially in the current American landscape.
Your season is titled “Woven in Ebony”—what other productions do you have lined up?
“Woven in Ebony” is an entire season dedicated to Black women. Every show we’re producing this season is a Virginia premiere, a testament to the lack of Black women-centered work produced in the state. We will be producing sunset baby by Dominique Morisseau in the spring at Virginia Repertory’s Theatre Gym and The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin this summer at Henrico Theatre.
Anything else you would like to add?
Currently, we are Richmond’s only professional black theatre company producing an entire season. It’s not easy being a theatre company, especially a Black theatre company, in these times. Please support us!
You can find tickets on sale for BLKS HERE.
