THEY SPEAK

A STAGED READING SERIES AMPLIFYING AFRICAN AMERICAN VOICES

DIRECTED by Dorothy Paige-Turner

They Speak is back this June, July and August to celebrate the breadth and brilliance of African-American storytelling.

Experience an unforgettable collection of poetry, drama, and storytelling—from the dreams and wisdom of Langston Hughes, to inspiring women whose spiritual experiences have too often gone untold, to the bold theatrical plays of Rockford native Nathan Alan Davis.

Each event offers a unique opportunity to engage with remarkable artists, ideas, and histories.

SCHEDULE

I DREAM A WORLD | The Poetry, Plays and Publications of Langston Hughes

SAT Jun 27 at 7:30
SUN Jun 28 at 4:30

There will be a 20 minute Q&A after each performance

CANDLES IN THE DARK | Unnamed Spiritually Gifted Women of the Bible

SAT Jul 25 at 7:30
SUN Jul 26 at 4:30

There will be a 20 minute Q&A after each performance

A NATIVE SON | A Showcase of the Plays of Nathan Alan Davis

SAT Aug 29 at 7:30
SUN Aug 30 at 4:30

TICKETS

Free PUBLIC ACCESS TICKETS are available for reservation starting 1 week prior to show time:

I DREAM A WORLD tickets go on sale:

June 19th

CANDLES IN THE DARK tickets go on sale:

July 17th

A NATIVE SON tickets go on sale:

August 21st

EARLY ACCESS TICKETS are available ahead of time with a WSSR Membership.

I DREAM A WORLD

THE POETRY, PLAYS AND PUBLICATIONS OF LANGSTON HUGHES

SAT Jun 27 at 7:30
SUN Jun 28 at 4:30

Running Time: 

Experience the words of Langston Hughes, one of the most influential voices of the Harlem Renaissance and a towering figure in American literature.

Local actors bring to life a selection of Hughes’ poetry, essays, plays, and prose—capturing his wit, compassion, musicality, and unwavering belief in the dignity of ordinary people.

Through his words, audiences encounter dreams deferred, hard-won resilience, and a vision of a more just America.

CANDLES IN THE DARK

UNNAMED SPIRITUALLY GIFTED WOMEN OF THE BIBLE

SAT Jul 25 at 7:30
SUN Jul 26 at 4:30

Running Time: 

Step into the stories of remarkable women whose faith, wisdom, courage, and spiritual gifts shaped biblical history.

Through a collection of dramatic scenes, readings, and reflections, local performers illuminate the lives of women who offered prophecy, leadership, healing, and unwavering devotion in times of uncertainty and change.

Blending scripture, storytelling, and thoughtful interpretation, this inspiring program shines a light on voices often overlooked.

A NATIVE SON

A SHOWCASE OF THE PLAYS OF NATHAN ALAN DAVIS

SAT Aug 23 at 7:30
SUN Aug 24 at 4:30)

Running Time: 

Celebrate the work of Nathan Alan Davis, the acclaimed playwright and proud Rockford native whose plays are being produced on stages across the country.

Local actors perform selected scenes and monologues from Davis’ celebrated body of work, exploring stories that blend history, memory, identity, and imagination. His writing is known for its lyrical language, theatrical innovation, and deeply human exploration of Black life in America.

The West Side Show Room is honored to have produced two of Davis’ plays, The Wind and the Breeze (2022) and Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea(2025). This special showcase offers audiences an opportunity to revisit and rediscover the work of one of Rockford’s most accomplished contemporary artists, whose voice continues to shape the future of American theater.

PUBLIC ACCESS THEATER

WE BELIEVE EVERYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE THEATER…

Here’s how it works:

1. We make all of our tickets FREE

2. You help us do it by DONATING

This simple, yet powerful approach makes sure everyone can attend!

DONATE

Although tickets are free, it still costs $10,000 - $20,000 to put on one our shows.

Part of our budget goes to the actors, some of whom work for over 120 hours.

If you Become a Member or Add A Donation to your free tickets, you will support Public Access Theater and help us make sure everyone in our community can come to the show!

BECOME A MEMBER

When you become a WSSR Member, you are partnering with us to support Public Access Theater and make sure everyone can come to the show!

With a WSSR Membership, you can reserve more than 2 tickets at a time!

Plus, you get things like early access to tickets, guaranteed seats, WSSR merch, invites to special events, and more!

CONTENT INFO

They Speak is appropriate for all ages. Recommended for 13+

For specific information about the content, please contact us.

CHILDREN

CHILDREN

Children age 5+ are welcome at the WSSR as long as they can sit quietly and watch the show. If your child becomes a distraction, you may be asked to step into the lobby. 

Children under the age of 5 will not be admitted

For more info please visit wssr.org/planyourvisit

ACCESSIBILITY

WSSR has an open single-level layout with no ramps or stairs. Our theater seats are moveable and can easily accommodate wheelchairs. When reserving tickets, let us know your needs and we will do our best to accommodate you. 

For more info please visit wssr.org/planyourvisit

HEALTH SAFETY

If you aren’t feeling well or are experiencing symptoms of illness, please stay home.