Gospel in the Wake: a Poetic Stage Performance Premieres in Pittsburgh
412-418-2459
gospelitwakeproject25@gmail.com
PITTSBURGH, PA, April 29, 2025 (PittsburghNewsWire.com) — Bonita Lee Penn, an award-winning poet and playwright, proudly presents Gospel in the Wake: a Poetic Stage Performance—a powerful, one-night-only exploration of faith, music, spirituality, and cultural identity—premiering June 14, 2025, at The Carnegie Museum Art Theater. This production is made possible through the Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh Grant, a prestigious initiative by The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Heinz Endowments, supporting Black artists in creating transformative work.
Gospel in the Wake brings together a dynamic ensemble of Pittsburgh artists, musicians, and writers to engage audiences in a narrative rooted in the rich traditions of the Black Church and ancestral memory. What spiritual practices survived the Middle Passage—and how do they continue to shape us today? Journey through resilience and reverence as we celebrate the enduring power of the Ring Shout, call and response, and their presence in both historical and contemporary Black worship traditions.
“This production is a reflection of a rich cultural heritage and the unsung traditions that have shaped our belief practices. With the support of the playwright, actors, and musicians we can bring this vision to life and share it with the community,” says Director Kim El.
Join us for this one-night-only poetic stage experience at 7:00 PM, Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Carnegie Museum Art Theater, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA.
Admission is offered as “Pay as You Feel”—an invitation to give what you can, as you are moved. Tickets are available online, at https://GITW2025.eventbrite.com and at door on the evening of the performance. Doors open at 6:00 PM.
Following the performance, stay for a community Q&A with the artists and creative team, and enjoy a light reception as we continue the conversation offstage.
Sponsors include Soul Pitt Media, The Pittsburgh Playwright Theater, and United Black Book Clubs of Pittsburgh.
Join Us in Celebrating Black Art & Storytelling. This performance is more than a play, it’s a cultural experience, an act of witness, and a tribute to the voices and practices that continue to shape our world.
For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact:
Media Contact:
Bonita Lee Penn
412-418-2459
gospelitwakeproject2025@gmail.com
IG: @gospelitwake2025
