UMBC Theatre presents Shakespeare in Harlem by Langston Hughes, adapted and directed by Gerrad Alex Taylor, a university-professional collaboration between UMBC Theatre and the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company.

The year 2025 marks the centennial of the Harlem Renaissance, perhaps the largest cultural and artistic American movement of the 20th century. In celebration, the Department of Theatre will amplify the work of Black and African American theatre-makers and our engagement with the Baltimore theatre community by mounting an adaptation of Shakespeare in Harlem by Langston Hughes.

A rare gem from Langston Hughes, this collection of monologue poems revives the rhythms of jazz, the blues, and the pulse of the Harlem Renaissance—its love, struggles, and street-corner spirit. In director Gerrad Alex Taylor’s adaptation, Hughes’ words come alive in a dynamic full-length play, blending poetry, music, and dance for an immersive journey into the world he so vividly celebrated.

The production process will include a UMBC residency of Chesapeake Shakespeare Company’s Black Classical Acting Ensemble in the Fall of 2025, culminating in a two-week run of the play performed by a cast of professionals and students. In Winter 2026, the play will be remounted for a week’s run at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company’s downtown home on South Calvert Street.

Performances at UMBC’s Proscenium Theatre

Thursday, October 30, 7:30 p.m. — Opening Night Reception
Friday, October 31, 7:30 p.m. — Free Performance for UMBC students
Saturday, November 1, 7:30 p.m. — Alumni Night
Friday, November 7, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 8, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 9, 2 p.m. — Free Performance for UMBC Students; Prospective Student Day; Actor Talk-Back

Performances at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company (7 South Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202)

Thursday, January 15, 2026, 7:30 p.m. (Black Out Performance)
Friday, January 16, 2026, 8 p.m.
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 2 p.m.
Sunday, January 18, 2026, 2 p.m.

$15 general public, $10 for the UMBC community (students, faculty, staff, alumni), $10 seniors.

Please visit here to reserve seats for the UMBC performances.

Content Disclosure: This play contains racially and sexually charged language, including derogatory and offensive language, staged violence, including the use of a prop gun, and references to drinking. This play deals with themes of racism, sexism, death, poverty, and displacement.

The Proscenium Theatre is easy to visit, with plenty of free parking. Please visit here for directions and parking information.

Poster artwork by Eric Abele.

This event is supported in part by UMBC's Arts+ initiative.