Bonita Lee Penn, an award-winning poet and playwright, proudly presents Gospel in the Wake: a Poetic Stage Performance—a powerful, one-night-only exploration of faith, music, spirituality, and cultural identity, premiering June 14th, 2025, at The Carnegie Museum Art Theater.
Gospel in the Wake brings together a dynamic ensemble of Pittsburgh artists, musicians, and writers to engage audiences in a narrative rooted in the rich traditions of the Black Church and ancestral memory. What spiritual practices survived the Middle Passage—and how do they continue to shape us today? Journey through resilience and reverence as the performance celebrates the enduring power of the Ring Shout, call, and response, and their presence in both historical and contemporary Black worship traditions.
“This production is a reflection of a rich cultural heritage and the unsung traditions that have shaped our belief practices. With the support of the playwright, actors, and musicians, we can bring this vision to life and share it with the community,” says Director Kim El.
TICKETS AND DETAILS
Gospel in the Wake, presented by Bonita Lee Penn, is at the Carnegie Museum Art Theater, 4400 Forbes Avenue, on June 14th, 2025. Tickets are at https://GITW2025.eventbrite.com and the door on the evening of the performance.
Following the performance, stay for a community Q&A with the artists and creative team, and enjoy a light reception as the conversation continues offstage.
The production is made possible through the Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh Grant, a prestigious initiative by The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Heinz Endowments, supporting Black artists in creating transformative work.
Categories: Show Previews
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