��������app

It’s not too late to tap into the gut-busting, hilarious show with a large dose of reality that is “,” on stage at Woolly Mammoth until Dec. 22.  A piece that was written and altered for District audiences right up until it opened just days after the Nov. 5 general election, this show is not just funny, it offers harsh truths and wake-up calls, with a large helping of healing.

“To [perform comedy] with this show, this work that celebrates us, especially after the week we had [is special],” cast member and choreographer Breon Arzell told the audience after the show Friday, Nov. 8.

The Friday, Nov. 8 was not just an opening week show, but a Blackout night, when Woolly Mammoth creates an intentional safe space for African American audiences to have a full, freeing and engaging theatrical experience.

For the audience, who was vocal, participated in call-and-response and sing-alongs, and laughed throughout the whole show, Blackout night provided a sacred space to process the happenings of the year and week: ending a divisive and contentious election season with Vice President Kamala Harris (D) losing the election to President-elect Donald Trump.

However, the show provided a safe space, not just for the audience, but the ensemble.  

“We were in here the night of the election and the night after the election, and this was the only way, this is my church, this is my therapy,” Arzell explained.

To be working on “Dance Like There’s Black People Watching,” and continue making discoveries, developments and growing the show every night has been a gift for the cast.

While Jillian Ebanks has worked with Second City, in Chicago for about eight years, she said participating in “Dance Like There’s Black People Watching,” and performing for DMV audiences was particularly rewarding.  

“I’ve never done a show with a full Black cast; I’ve never done a show for a Black audience, so it means a lot to me because that’s why I got into comedy, is to do comedy for Black people, with people,” Ebanks explained Blackout Night. “I’m just really grateful for this experience because I’ve been doing [comedy] in a lot of white rooms in the middle of America.”

Ensemble member Arlieta Hall also experienced an empowering first while working on this show that helped her to grow as an artist overall.

“For me this show is very important because I’ve done three Black Excellence shows for Second City, so this is not my first time doing a show for an all-Black audience, but I got to write some of this show… I was part of the first group that was able to write a show,” Hall explained. “It was beautiful to be able to write for us and to act a fool with us.”

While being in the nation’s capital and working on this powerful show during an election season has been rewarding for much of the cast, for DMV native Tamika Chavis working on “Dance Like There’s Black People’s Watching,” was also a wonderful way to process the moment with hometown audiences.

“For me I feel seen in this space,” Chavis said. “We’re connecting with audiences in such a way that I’ve never experienced before– you just feel the love.”

As the election becomes more and more of a blur and with the holiday season in full swing, “Dance Like There’s Black People Watching,” is not just to grapple with the tense political and social environment, it offers an opportunity to laugh hard and think deeply.  

The show is not just for this moment or District crowds, but is important for all audiences. Further the themes and messages will continue to resonate with audiences through the run at Woolly and beyond. 

“I believe that this show is extremely important, right now, before the election, a couple years ago, a couple years in the future. We always need spaces to celebrate together, and be our full selves,” said ensemble member Max Thomas. “I’m so grateful, this feels like a beautiful cookout. It feels like a family reunion. It feels like grandma’s house.”

For more information and a special on $25 balcony tickets, visit .