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Black Bastard by Jon Gentry
March 1 • 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Free
The Binge Festival of Free Theatre / Santa Monica Fringe Festival presents
Black Bastard
Written & Preformed by Jon Gentry
Directed by Shinelle Azoroh
Click here for tickets!
Queer. Southern. Creole… BLACK BASTARD transports audiences to 1990s Houston in a humorous, heartfelt coming-of-age tale. Jon, an inquisitive Black boy, develops a love for literature until his family fractures, thrusting him into the role of “man of the house.” A comedic spiral ensues as Jon grapples with his identity(ies). When a bully confronts him at school, Jon begins to search for his absent father, but is he ready for what he may find? Vividly portraying more than 15 characters, writer/performer Jon Gentry explores themes of masculinity and self-actualization through artful techniques and nostalgic references. The piece contends that humans are collective “bastards” on an eternal quest for selfhood and someplace to call home.
Through literature, clowning, self-discovery, and original song, the production invokes 90’s nostalgia in a jambalaya of memoir, embodied character transformation, and socio-cultural commentary. The show confronts stereotypes about absent Black fathers while exploring broader themes of identity, expression, and our collective search for belonging and ultimately home. Winner of the Hollywood Fringe Soaring Solo Social Impact Award. Directed by Shinelle Azoroh.
Runtime: 58 minutes, featuring a Post-Show Q&A.
Ages 18+. Musical Selection.
FREE as part of the BFF Fringe Festival of Free Theatre.
**Live-streaming can be found at SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com. No need to make a reservation if you are live-streaming.**