05/22/2026
District Fringe introduces our new Spark series of staged readings where you help develop the productions of tomorrow! Come watch and participate in a post show audience discussion.
Rounding out the Spark series is Define “Black” by Nessa Amherst, N.A. Productions
This is a story of two black actresses, Brianne and Akeelah, who are in final callbacks for the lead role in the upcoming Brandon Jacob Jenkins play, and we get to see the conflict between their different upbringing styles and beliefs though conversations about s*x, music, their acting careers, and pet peeves—all leading up to an explosive finale about what is truly defined as "black."
From the playwright:
Define "Black" is a based on my experience of growing up as a black woman, and how my "blackness" was not considered "black" enough by some members of the black community. The way I talked, the way I dressed, my thoughts and beliefs, and education were all considered "white." That experience led me to writing this play.
