Black and Blue: 400 Years of Struggle and Transcendence

Photograph of author by Joan Frederick from UTSA Special Collections

Gemini Ink, San Antonio’s Writing Arts Center, will present a dramatic reading of Black and Blue: 400 Years of Struggle and Transcendence. One of Houston’s seminal works chronicling the African American journey, this performance weaves together historical figures and moments, words of Dr. Martin Luther King, primary sources gathered by Houston, vocals, and music. Presented in readers’ theatre format, this multi-faceted piece features a cast including SkudR Jones, Marcie Edwards Willis, Chris Knox, and Danielle King, who is also directing.

After the reading, there will be a panel discussion and Q&A exploring the significance and impact of Houston and his body of work. Panelists include Dr. Sandra Mayo, Antoinette Winstead, Nan Cuba and Danielle King. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Charles Gentry. This free, public event will take place at the historic Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe St.

For the full festival line-up, visit www.sterlinghoustonfestival.com.

Sterling Houston (1945-2006) was a beloved San Antonio cultural icon. A playwright, actor, author, and musician, Houston was a prolific and innovative artist whose work often explored themes of identity and gave voice to characters and communities whose stories were not often told.  He was a master of blending history and fact with his own brand of mythology and fiction. His fruitful career spanned across four decades during which he wrote over thirty plays, four novels/novellas and appeared countless times on stage throughout San Antonio and around the country.

Prior to the pandemic, a collective of arts organizations and individuals formed to produce a festival honoring the life, work and legacy of Sterling Houston. The group, now referred to as the SHF Planning Collective, is comprised of several arts organizations and individuals throughout the San Antonio community. Some are former collaborators, friends and colleagues of Houston. Others, while never having had an opportunity to work with or know the artist personally, are nonetheless inspired by him. All are united in their desire to produce a festival befitting of Houston’s artistic excellence, while paying tribute to the indelible imprint he left on the San Antonio arts community and all those who knew him.

The organizations comprising the SHF Planning Collective are Carver Community Cultural Center, Creative Circuit Studios, Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, Gemini Ink, Jump Start Performance Co., Magik Theatre, Teatro Anasi, The Classic Theatre, UTSA Libraries Special Collections and Urban-15. In addition, many individuals have lent their time and talents to the collective including Danielle King, Antoinette Winstead, Dr. Charles Gentry, Dianne Green and others.

The festival will be held June 4-19, 2022 with events taking place at various venues throughout San Antonio and will include an offering of performances, workshops, panels and social gatherings.

For the full festival line-up, visit www.sterlinghoustonfestival.com.