THEY SPEAK

A Summer Series Amplifying African-American Voices

DIRECTED by Dorothy Paige-Turner

Across three powerful weekends in June, July and August, They Speak celebrates the breadth and brilliance of African-American storytelling.

From August Wilson’s sweeping decade-by-decade chronicle, to the fierce, lyrical voices of Black women writers, to the remarkable life of Rockford founder Lewis Lemon, each program invites you to witness history, poetry, and personal triumph brought to life onstage.

SCHEDULE

A Tribute to August Wilson | Scenes and Monologues from Wilson’s 20th century cycle

SAT Jun 28 at 7:30
SUN Jun 29 at 4:30

She Speaks: Poets, Playwrights, and Pioneers | African American female writers

SAT Jul 26 at 7:30
SUN Jun 27 at 4:30

Lewis Lemon: An Uncommon Life | Presented on Founders Day Weekend

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

Come hear the stories that shaped our nation—and still resonate today.

TICKETS

Free Public Access Tickets are available for reservation starting 1 week prior to show time:

A Tribute to August Wilson tickets go on sale:

June 19th

She Speaks: Poets, Playwrights, and Pioneers tickets go on sale:

July 17th

Lewis Lemon: An Uncommon Life tickets go on sale:

August 14th

Early Access Tickets are available ahead of time with a WSSR Membership.

A TRIBUTE TO AUGUST WILSON

SAT Jun 28 at 7:30
SUN Jun 29 at 4:30

Running Time: 90 minutes with Intermission

Dive into signature scenes and monologues drawn from Wilson’s ten-play American Century Cycle, a masterpiece that captures the African-American experience in every decade of the 20th century.

Local actors trace Wilson’s unmatched blend of searing poetry and uncompromising realism—revealing the hopes, struggles, and everyday heroism of Black life from the Great Migration to the 1990s.

Paired with period music that deepens the storytelling, this tribute honors the playwright who, as critics have said, “put it all together—and gave us history.”

She Speaks: Poets, Playwrights & Pioneers

SAT Jul 26 at 7:30
SUN Jun 27 at 4:30

Running Time: 75 minutes

This evening foregrounds the words and wisdom of African-American women whose pens reshaped literature, theater, and social thought.

The Rockford Reader’s Theatre ensemble weaves together music, poetry, and dramatic excerpts to spotlight icons and unsung heroines alike—Maya Angelou, Nina Simone, Lorraine Hansberry, Nikki Giovanni, Zora Neale Hurston, and more.

Voices converge in a vibrant collage that celebrates resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of Black womanhood.

Lewis Lemon: An Uncommon Life

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

Running Time: 75 minutes

Part play, part musical portrait, this original piece honors Lewis Lemon—an enslaved man who purchased his freedom and became a key figure in Rockford’s 1834 founding.

Blending narrative and historical reflection with evocative music, the performance explores Lemon’s legacy as a civic leader and community builder whose contributions have long been overlooked.

Presented during Rockford’s Founders Day weekend, Lewis Lemon: An Uncommon Lifeoffers a moving tribute to the hidden histories that shaped our city.

SPONSORS

They Speak is made possible through a generous Regional Arts Partner Grant from Rockford Area Arts Council.

The Rockford Area Arts Council supports, promotes, and develops access to the arts for everyone.

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.