Black Bastard - Jon Gentry's Black History EVERY Month special event

The Santa Monica Playhouse Black History [every] Month Project presents African-American theatrical creations not just in February, but throughout the year, recognizing, honoring and celebrating the rich heritage of Black arts, artists, and culture in our community.

“Leaves the audience screaming for more!” @lahiddengems

Queer... Southern... Creole... Black Bastard transports audiences to 1990s Houston in a humorous, heartfelt coming-of-age tale. Jon, an inquisitive Black boy, develops a love for literature until his family fractures, thrusting him into the role of "man of the house." A comedic spiral ensues as Jon grapples with his identiy(ies). When a bully confronts him at school, Jon begins to search for his absent father, but is he ready for what he may find?

***WINNER*** 2024 Soaring Solo Social Impact Award

Through literature, clowning, self-discovery, and original song, the production invokes 90s nostalgia in a jambalaya of memoir, embodied character transformation, and socio-cultural commentary. Confronting stereotypes about absent Black fathers, the show explores broaded themes of identity, expression, and our collective search for belonging and ultimately home. 

***WINNER*** 2024 Best of Asylum Award

Seeing a poster on the Playhouse patio wall advertising a production for Black History Month, a Playhouse conservatory student asked, “What about the rest of the year?” Excellent question, one that became the inspiration for the Black History [every] Month project. With generous support from the We Are Santa Monica Fund, the City of Santa Monica, the Santa Monica Arts Commission, and Playhouse PALS, we are honored to present for you an overflowing treasure box of award-winning, important, insightful and empowering events. We hope you’ll see them all.