This June, Dr. Barbara Ann Teer’s National Black Theatre (NBT) takes over 125th Street, turning Harlem’s central corridor into a dance stage with pop-up performances of the five-hour choreopoetic piece 125th & FREEdom. The event is free and open to the public, running on Saturdays beginning on June 8.
Created, directed and choreographed by Ebony Noelle Golden, 125th & FREEdom is an immersive, audience participatory cultural experience which asks: If Harriet Tubman were alive today how would she free Black people? New Yorkers will become one with Golden’s battle-weary tribe of nomads led by Tubman’s descendant on an epic journey to a land of promised liberation.
Written, choreographed and directed by Golden, the piece will make Harlem’s iconic 125th Street its stage as it explores the question: “If Harriet Tubman were alive today, how would she free Black people?” The event is a part of the institution’s new programmatic initiative, NBT Beyond Walls, which sees the esteemed Harlem institution presenting performances throughout the city, country and internationally.
“We are excited to conclude our 50th season with the world premiere of Ebony’s groundbreaking work 125th & FREEdom. Performances of 125th & FREEdom run from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays in June, beginning on June 8, and are free and open to the public. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes.