TMarshall & BRustin

“Bayard Rustin Inside Ashland"

“We need, in every community, a group of angelic troublemakers.” —Bayard Rustin

People’s Light Resident Director Steve H. Broadnax III (Broadway’s Thoughts of a Colored Man) and Tony Award winner Jason Michael Webb (Choir Boy) bring you the latest work to emerge from our New Play Frontiers residency program.

While incarcerated and targeted for his sexuality, Rustin puts his faith in nonviolent resistance to the test, illuminating what it means to be branded a "troublemaker" within a system stacked against you.

"Bayard Rustin Inside Ashland" soars with African-American spirituals and offers a glimpse into a transformative moment for young Rustin—his 1944 prison sentence in Ashland, Kentucky.

THIS EVENT SOLD OUT!

"The measure of a country’s greatness is its ability to retain compassion in times of crisis." TM

join us for our annual theatre event at people's light

SAT. AUG. 1, 2026- 2:00PM MATINEE

Join us as we step into the vibrant and swinging world of the Harlem Renaissance in this raucous and joyful musical revue, celebrating the music and spirit of the legendary Fats Waller. The Tony and Grammy Award-winning, jazz-infused score includes Waller’s famous hits like “Honeysuckle Rose” and “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love”.

This playful and exuberant tribute to the iconic tunes of the era captures the essence of Manhattan’s nightlife, from the swanky Cotton Club to the lively dives of Lenox Avenue.

Directed by Broadway’s Steve H. Broadnax III (A Raisin in the Sun, Bonez), Ain’t Misbehavin’ brings the pulse of an unforgettable musical era to life.

From 12:30PM-1:30PM

West Chester branch ticket holders will enjoy special refreshments from Scoops & Smiles Ice Cream shop during a pre-show event.

Ticket sales - June 1st to June 15th

Tickets purchased directly from the West Chester branch of the NAACP are only $65.00!

Tap on the flyer or scan the QR code. A few tickets have been set aside to be obtained directly from branch officers by....

MARCH 11th at 2:00pm

West Chester branch of the NAACP for this one-man play featuring Brian Marable.

“THURGOOD"

With a career spanning nearly six decades—from his landmark victory in Brown v. Board of Education to becoming a household name as the “Great Dissenter” and first African American to serve on the Supreme Court—Thurgood Marshall devoted his life to the pursuit of a more just world.

Brian Marable (Skeleton Crew) brings Marshall's signature poise, wit, and storytelling skill to this captivating one-man play.

By George Stevens, Jr.

Directed by Steve H. Broadnax III People’s Light Resident Director (Broadway’s Thoughts of a Colored Man)

Private Event following the performance.

Tickets purchased through the West Chester branch also admits the ticket holder to a Special Reception and Panel Discussion, with light refreshments.

WE HAD A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE DURING OUR "BAYARD RUSTIN - INSIDE ASHLAND" EVENT.

***LET'S DO IT AGAIN!***

With a career spanning nearly six decades—from his landmark victory in Brown v. Board of Education to becoming a household name as the "Great Dissenter" and first African American to serve on the Supreme Court—Thurgood Marshall devoted his life to the pursuit of a more just world.

Immediately after graduation, Thurgood Marshall opened a law office in Baltimore, and in the early 1930s, he represented the local NAACP chapter in a successful lawsuit that challenged the University of Maryland Law School over its segregation policy.

NAACP Legal Defense Fund

West Chester Native Son

Reception Following the Performance

“Bayard Rustin Inside Ashland"

June 4, 2022 @ 2:00pm

Bayard Rustin, March 17, 1912 – August 24, 1987

"The measure of a country’s greatness is its ability to retain compassion in times of crisis." TM

"The measure of a country’s greatness is its ability to retain compassion in times of crisis." TM

"The measure of a country’s greatness is its ability to retain compassion in times of crisis." TM

"The measure of a country’s greatness is its ability to retain compassion in times of crisis." TM

"The measure of a country’s greatness is its ability to retain compassion in times of crisis." TM

"The measure of a country’s greatness is its ability to retain compassion in times of crisis." TM

Thurgood Marshall – 7/2/1908 - 1/24/1993

join us for our annual theatre event at people's light

SAT. AUG. 1, 2026- 2:00PM MATINEE

Ticket sales - June 1st to June 15th

MARCH 11th at 2:00pm

West Chester branch of the NAACP for this one-man play featuring Brian Marable.

“THURGOOD"

Private Event following the performance.