National Black Theatre and The Apollo announce Transcendant Renewal of The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout

The National Black Theatre and the Apollo announce “The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout”, a special event on the Black Diaspora experience taking place in the Opera House at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C on June 1.

About The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout

Through orchestral, choral, gospel and soul choral music, this one-night-only event is the signature celebration for the Kennedy Center’s Conflux partnership with National Black Theatre (NBT) running May 26 – June 2, 2024.

The Gathering will center the soul of Black folks and the heart of America’s brilliant and bitter present. The event was originally performed to a sold out audience at The Apollo in Harlem, New York 2022.

“The Ring Shout is historically an open space to grieve. It is awaken joy as a source of liberation, and use love as a form of resistance. The Gathering embodies that through all of the distinct and moving pieces of the evening. At times may be emotionally difficult as we confront the horrors of injustice we’ve had to walk through,” said Apollo Executive Producer Kamilah Forbes.

“But The Gathering also allows us to lean into a journey of the spirit that will leave audiences feeling healed. And also rejuvenated for the future. I’m thrilled that The Kennedy Center offers another chance for viewers to engage with this vital production”.

Schedule of Events

From May 26 – June 2, the family-friendly programming curated by National Black Theatre, will provide a central space for folk to be in dialogue with each other and to unearth the compounded/dynamic narratives that rest in the Black Diaspora existence in America.

Seeking to uplift the need for narrative change surrounding Black Culture, NBT has curated a roster of dynamic programming that includes performances, social practice demonstrations, classes and discussions throughout the week.

All programming will take place on the Kennedy Center campus to help inform, inspire and engage our community in civic and creative discourse. This all leads up to the signature event happening June 1, 2024, The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout.

On May 26 – “Dance Sanctuary” Movement

May 27 – June 2 – Quilt Making Art Installation & Workshop

On May 27 – June 2 – “An Acknowledgement to Foggy Bottoms” installation by Mahogany L. Browne

May 30 – The Gathering: Carving The Path from Activism to Liberation (Panel Discussion)

On May 31 – The Gathering: “Traditional” Ring Shout curated by Rashida Bumbray

June 1 – The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout Performance

June 2 – The Gathering: Learn To Love Yourself: Silent Disco and Portrait Series

For tickets and additional information on The Gathering

https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/explore-by-genre/classical-music/2023-2024/the-gathering/