Experience James Baldwin’s powerful non-fiction writings like never before in The Baldwin Essays: As Much Truth as One Can Bear—an immersive multimedia experience created by composer and multidisciplinary artist Samora Pinderhughes at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria. As part of The Apollo’s James Baldwin centennial celebration, this groundbreaking performance weaves together songcraft, poetry, film, and Baldwin’s own words from works like Notes of a Native Son and The Fire Next Time.
Through instrumental ensemble, small choir, and Baldwin’s timeless language, Pinderhughes invites audiences to grapple with the pressing questions of today while imagining new ways forward. Surrounded by beautiful soundscapes and poignant visuals, this transformative experience honors Baldwin’s legacy and inspires a deeper understanding of our modern world.
Samora Pinderhughes (Vocals/Piano/Keys)
Cleo Reed (Vocals/Audio/Guitar)
Josh Hari (Bass)
Brian Richburg Jr (Drums)
Frankie Leroux (Percussion/Production)
Julia Easterlin (Vocals)
Dani Murcia (Vocals)
Tajahniya Sapp (Vocals)
Jehbreal Jackson (Vocals)
Vuyo Sotashe (Vocals)
Nia Drummond (Vocals)
Experience James Baldwin’s powerful non-fiction writings like never before in The Baldwin Essays: As Much Truth as One Can Bear—an immersive multimedia experience created by composer and multidisciplinary artist Samora Pinderhughes at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria. As part of The Apollo’s James Baldwin centennial celebration, this groundbreaking performance weaves together songcraft, poetry, film, and Baldwin’s own words from works like Notes of a Native Son and The Fire Next Time.
Through instrumental ensemble, small choir, and Baldwin’s timeless language, Pinderhughes invites audiences to grapple with the pressing questions of today while imagining new ways forward. Surrounded by beautiful soundscapes and poignant visuals, this transformative experience honors Baldwin’s legacy and inspires a deeper understanding of our modern world.
Samora Pinderhughes (Vocals/Piano/Keys)
Cleo Reed (Vocals/Audio/Guitar)
Josh Hari (Bass)
Brian Richburg Jr (Drums)
Frankie Leroux (Percussion/Production)
Julia Easterlin (Vocals)
Dani Murcia (Vocals)
Tajahniya Sapp (Vocals)
Jehbreal Jackson (Vocals)
Vuyo Sotashe (Vocals)
Nia Drummond (Vocals)
STANDBY TICKET AVAILABILITY:
Online tickets for The Baldwin Essays: As Much Truth As One Can Bear are currently sold out. A limited number of standby tickets will be made available in-person on February 22nd. Tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis. The Apollo’s box office opens at 12 noon and is located at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria (233 West 125th Street between Adam Clayton Powell & Frederick Douglass Blvd).
Get ready, Harlem—the chauffer is pulling up with The Womack Sisters. Kicking off The Apollo’s Music Café season, the LA-based soul and R&B trio — BG, Zeimani and Kucha — are carrying on their family's legendary musical legacy. With stellar vocals, undeniable chemistry and timeless rhythm running through their veins, soul royalty has arrived.
About Apollo Music Café:
The Apollo Music Café series presents artists on the rise to a unique audience. Featuring diverse performances across a myriad of genres (R&B, hip hop, soul, jazz, pop, country, funk and rock), this series showcases a variety of artists who impact the way music is heard and experienced.
Fresh off a tour with Kehlani and Durand Bernarr, TheARTI$t comes to Harlem for an exclusive late-night takeover of Apollo Music Café – featuring songs from the albums Who I Am, The ARTchives, and DND. It’s an intimate night of raw and confessional soul from one of R&B’s most dynamic rising stars.
About Apollo Music Café:
The Apollo Music Café series presents artists on the rise to a unique audience. Featuring diverse performances across a myriad of genres (R&B, hip hop, soul, jazz, pop, country, funk and rock), this series showcases a variety of artists who impact the way music is heard and experienced.
The Apollo’s Works in Process season kicks off with a free staged reading of Obie Award winning, Emmy and Tony nominated actor, playwright, producer, and director Jordan Cooper’s new play Sitcom. Get ready to laugh as the creative mind behind the groundbreaking BET+ sitcom The Ms. Pat Show takes audiences for a ride when the dysfunctional cast of a hit 90's TV show reunite for the first time in 25 years for a dinner they will never forget.
This is a free community presentation.
Jordan E. Cooper
Tony Award-nominated Actor, Playwright, Producer, and Director Jordan E. Cooper became the youngest Black American playwright in the history of Broadway when his critically acclaimed play Ain’t No Mo’ opened in 2022. The play, also starring Cooper, received six Tony Award nominations and was declared “Broadway's most important new play” by Harper’s Bazaar. Off-Broadway, Ain’t No Mo’ earned Jordan an Obie Award win and a Drama League Award nomination. Cooper also became the youngest showrunner in television history with the groundbreaking BET+ sitcom The Ms. Pat Show which he also Co-Created and Executive Produces. The series has received multiple Emmy nominations and earned Cooper an African American Film Critics Association award. Jordan was included in Forbes’ prestigious “30 Under 30” list in 2024 and Vanity Fair’s “The Season’s Brightest (Broadway) Stars” list in 2023. He was featured in FX’s seminal series “Pose” and can currently be seen in the hit feature sequel Freakier Friday.
Apollo Works in Process: In Place of Monuments centers the friendship of two Black American and Caribbean friends, examining how state-sanctioned violence threatens to tear their family and community apart. Through recalling memories across time, and incorporating movement and dance, the play aims to create a portal for audiences to envision more just and liberated futures for Black and Brown people. The play will be devised in community through a series of workshops (writing, somatic/dance, readings, story circles, wardrobe design etc.).
The staged reading of the one-act will be followed by a talkback with the creatives.
Singer/songwriter Jane Handcock brings her soulful sound to Harlem with a rare, intimate night at the Apollo Music Café. Known as the “First Lady of Death Row Records,” Handcock continues to rise as one of the most compelling voices in modern R&B.
About Apollo Music Café:
The Apollo Music Café series presents artists on the rise to a unique audience. Featuring diverse performances across a myriad of genres (R&B, hip hop, soul, jazz, pop, country, funk and rock), this series showcases a variety of artists who impact the way music is heard and experienced.
Adeva, the undisputed Queen of House, makes a late-night stop in Harlem! Renowned worldwide for her raw, powerhouse vocals and legendary stage command, Adeva delivers a high-octane set packed with timeless anthems that defined a movement. It’s a night of classic hits such as "Warning," "I Thank You," "Respect," and more. Yes, Adeva WILL House you!
About Apollo Music Café:
The Apollo Music Café series presents artists on the rise to a unique audience. Featuring diverse performances across a myriad of genres (R&B, hip hop, soul, jazz, pop, country, funk and rock), this series showcases a variety of artists who impact the way music is heard and experienced.
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.
