WS Chronicle

The International Black Theatre Festival® (IBTF) will once again be held in the City of the Arts, Winston-Salem, beginning on Monday, July 29, and continuing through Saturday, Aug. 3.  

NCBRC officials, along with celebrity guests and supporters, kicked off this year’s festival Monday evening, May 6, with a high-energy reception at the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts in Winston-Salem.  

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the 2024 celebrity co-chairs. 

It was announced to a very excited crowd that acclaimed actors Tamara Tunie and Clifton Davis will serve as celebrity co-chairs. Tunie is an award-winning actor, singer, director, and producer whose distinguished work encompasses stage, television, and film. 

She portrayed the mother of the great American icon Whitney Houston, in “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” and Kamala Harris in “The 47TH” at the Old Vic Theatre in London. Tunie first gained an international following in the role of medical examiner Dr. Melinda Warner, with 23 seasons on Dick Wolf’s legendary NBC series “Law and Order: SVU.” Prior to that, she starred in the CBS daytime soap opera “As the World Turns.”

Davis is an award-winning actor, singer, composer, songwriter, author, producer, and minister. Tony and Grammy nominated, he has shared his unique gifts for more than 40 years around the world on stage, film, television and through music. He recently completed a four-year run in Broadway’s “Aladdin,” having originated the role of “Sultan.” More recently, he completed a year’s run as Dr. Dillamond in another Broadway hit, “Wicked.” Before he was a successful actor, he wrote The Jackson 5’s No. 2 hit “Never Can Say Goodbye.” And he is known for his roles in “That’s My Mama,” and best known as the Rev. Dr. Reuben Gregory in the hit sitcom “Amen.”

Both celebrities addressed the crowd expressing gratitude for being selected. 

Continue to check the website https://ncblackrep.org/ for updates and schedule.