The Apollo Theater will host an evening in celebration of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture’s centennial, honoring the legendary Harlem-based theater artist and writer Gwendolen Hardwick. A dynamic performer, visionary theater maker, and devoted community organizer, Hardwick, for over four decades, has helped shape and sustain vital creative spaces for Black and queer women writers and performers in New York.
The evening will feature scene readings and poetry drawn from Hardwick’s expansive body of work, alongside excerpts by Dominique Morisseau, LaVonda Elam, Nsangou Njikan, and Claro de los Reyes, all of whom have studied under Hardwick’s mentorship. The evening will culminate with a conversation, moderated by Kevin R. Free.
The Apollo Theater will host an evening in celebration of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture’s centennial, honoring the legendary Harlem-based theater artist and writer Gwendolen Hardwick. A dynamic performer, visionary theater maker, and devoted community organizer, Hardwick, for over four decades, has helped shape and sustain vital creative spaces for Black and queer women writers and performers in New York.
The evening will feature scene readings and poetry drawn from Hardwick’s expansive body of work, alongside excerpts by Dominique Morisseau, LaVonda Elam, Nsangou Njikan, and Claro de los Reyes, all of whom have studied under Hardwick’s mentorship. The evening will culminate with a conversation, moderated by Kevin R. Free.
Step behind the curtain of the world-famous Apollo Theater. Located at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria’s Laura & Frank Baker Gallery, Got To Be There: The Apollo, Its People, and Its Stories is a first of its kind exhibition curated by The Apollo Archives. This collection of rare photographs, video recordings, and artifacts offers a rare glimpse into The Apollo’s 91 year history.
Free and open to the public with select viewings and conversations throughout the season, this stunning exhibition offers a glimpse into the many roles that The Apollo has played and continues to play in service to the arts, the Harlem community, and global pop culture at large.
Open Daily 10am – 6pm & 2 hours before curtain during performances
Featuring JOEY B., KHRISTIN Y.S.F. BROOKS, COMEDIAN BUDDY LOVE
HOSTED BY DREW FRASER
Turn down the lights and get ready for a night of Quiet Storm with singer and songwriter Alex Tyree. With lush vocals and unhurried melodies, Alex creates a night of music written in the sacred language of life and love.
The Story of Florence Mills by Renee Watson, is an electro-acoustic story experience, presented by sound scientist and imaginationist LaFrae Sci. Born to formerly enslaved parents, Florence Mills discovered early on that her light, birdlike voice captivated audiences. Her talent carried her to 1920s Broadway, where she inspired writers and performers alike. Despite her fame, she witnessed the impact of prejudice and used her platform to uplift Black artists and advocate for civil rights. Harlem’s Little Blackbird tells her inspiring story of justice, equality, and following one’s dreams.
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An Ace Pictures and Irish Repertory Theatre Production
As told by Mick Moloney & Lenwood Sloan
Directed by Susan Wittenberg
Tracing the often overlooked 200-year history of exchange between Irish and African American cultures, TWO ROADS explores how dance and music became a shared language of resistance, survival, and joy. The film is deeply shaped by the work of folklorist and banjo rambler Mick Moloney and by creative catalyst, choreographer, and performer Lenwood Sloan. Their insight, scholarship, and artistry guide the film’s exploration of a rich cultural dialogue between past and present. Featuring performances by artists including Kaitlyn Sardin, Jerron Paxton, Nora Brown, and Malian griot Cheick Hamala Diabate, and a post-event talk back with Director Susan Wittenberg, TWO ROADS unfolds as both a celebration and a tribute, affirming art’s enduring power to connect across time, tradition, and shared experience.
The Apollo Theater will host an evening in celebration of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture’s centennial, honoring the legendary Harlem-based theater artist and writer Gwendolen Hardwick. A dynamic performer, visionary theater maker, and devoted community organizer, Hardwick, for over four decades, has helped shape and sustain vital creative spaces for Black and queer women writers and performers in New York.
Celebrate Women’s History Month with The Apollo and Harlem-based film collective Melanin Madness. After a sold-out 2025 Halloween-themed screening, we’re running it back, this time for the ladies. As always and in true Apollo fashion, the audience is a part of the experience so grab your crew and get ready to talk back, cheer and join the party in this evening of community, culture, and fun.
Featuring SOFIA NEGRON, DEZZ WHITE, SHAWN HARVEY
HOSTED BY LARRY LANCASTER
From Lotus Avenue to the A-train, ELHAE makes a quick stop in Harlem for an acoustic performance that blends alternative R&B with Hip Hop. His catalog includes thematic and seductive gems such as “Fun Fact”, “I Choose You (w. Ambre)”, “Doesn’t Matter (w. Kehlani)” and the deliciously pulsating dance hit “Touch (w. GoldLink)“.
The Girl Who Heard the Universe follows Zuri, a brilliant young sound scientist whose heart beats to rhythms no one else can hear. By day, she experiments with waves and vibrations in her Brooklyn bedroom-turned-laboratory, composing melodies that echo her boundless curiosity. By night, she gazes up at the stars, dreaming of how quantum particles might dance and sing across the cosmos. Blending music, science, and imagination, this story celebrates the power of wonder, the beauty of Black girl brilliance, and the belief that every sound—no matter how small—can change the universe.
Featuring DWIGHT PRYDE, CALVON BROWN, MIKE ROSS
HOSTED BY STILETTO
Accessibility
The Apollo is here for everyone. Artists, audiences, and all supporters should be able to experience The Apollo fully and in a way that is comfortable for them.
The Apollo has taken comprehensive steps to ensure that entrances, seating, restrooms, and more are as accessible and compliant as possible. Learn more about accessibility options and support services that might be right for you.
All persons and bags are subject to search. Bags that have passed inspection must fit comfortably under your seat. Oversized bags are prohibited.
No outside food or beverage. Accommodations are made for patrons with medical needs. Please email access@apollotheater.org or call the box office at (212) 531-5305 for assistance.
