The Burning of Greenwood

 
 

100 Years later, We will not Forget

Tulsa, Oklahoma. 1921.

John and Loula Williams are proud business owners in the bustling Greenwood district. By day they operate a popular confectionery, and at night they run the Williams Dreamland Theater, showing the latest moving pictures to the many residents of the area.

But one day, an all-too-familiar scene plays out: A white woman screams. A Black man runs away in fear. But this time, the already simmering racial tensions in the city finally boil over, and the Williamses and all the residents of Greenwood are forced to fight for their lives as the powder keg ignites around them.

A shorter, less expansive version of this show was presented in the 2022 Minnesota Fringe. That production, Black Wall Street: Dreamland Theater, received rave reviews and standing ovations during the festival. Now nimbus, frequent collaborator Doc Woods, and playwright Atlese Robinson  have teamed up to bring this searing and important story to the stage in its expanded scope, moving beyond just the Dreamland Theater to the broader community. A story not just about tragedy, but of the entrepreneurship, work ethic, community building, and resilience of a people to build not just financial, but cultural and spiritual wealth in the face of Jim Crow.

Playing June 10 - 25, 2023 at The Crane Theater
2303 Kennedy St. NE Mpls. 55413

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM
Sundays at 3:00 PM
Monday, June 19 7:30pm
Tickets $5 - $50 sliding scale

The performance runs approx. 75 minutes in one act. This show contains strong language, loud noises and flashing lights, and depictions of violence.

Is this show appropriate for children?
This show contains some difficult language and violence. We believe it is important for everyone to know this history, but it is a parent’s decision if their children can appropriately process the content.

 
 

The Ensemble

Playwright
Director
Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager

Scenic Design
Costume Design
Lighting Design
Property Design
Sound Design

O.W. Gurley
John Williams
Loula Williams
William Williams
A.J. Smitherman
O.B. Mann
Emma Gurley
Sheriff McCullough
Henry Sowders
Sarah Page