INDIANAPOLIS — On a cold Wednesday night in February, you could feel the excitement heating up inside the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre.
High-fives, laughs, hugs and conversation shared a crackling energy and hum of anticipation as actors, set designers, producers and musicians walked one by one into the first night of rehearsal for "Ma' Rainey's Black Bottom."
"I'm so excited to have all of you all here for August Wilson's 'Ma Rainey!'" said the show's producing director, LaKesha Lorene, to a round of applause.
This was more than a table read of an American masterpiece.
It's also part of something special happening with Indianapolis' arts scene: performers taking from page-to-stage stories of Black culture and Black playwrights, in the city's first Black equity theatre.
Lorene founded the collective nearly one year ago.
"We are the Naptown African American Theatre Collective. We're the first theatre that is Black-owned, Black-run and Black-led that is part of the actor's equity association in Indianapolis," Lorene said.
"So we don't have to run to Chicago. We don't have to run to Louisville. We don't have to go to Cincinnati. We can find it right here in our home, in our own backyard," said James Solomon Benn, production consultant for "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."
As an equity theatre, it means Indy-based actors can make a living off of their craft.
They get paid fair compensation for performances, have specific hours and rehearsal structures, and can work toward becoming equity union members – if they aren't already – just like Broadway or larger regional theatre.
"It's still a lot of fun, but it feels like a real job because it is a real job," Lorene said.
And that job here also comes with an important mission.
The actors come from all backgrounds, but there's a commitment to showcasing stories of the Black experience and uplifting artists of color.
"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," which opens in March, is the third play of the NAATC's inaugural season.
It's about the mother of the Blues, a pivotal figure in American history, as she encounters systemic racism in the business of making music.
Its message resonates with modern audiences, too.
"There's great fun, there's great joy, but there's also a lot of pathos," Benn said. "There's a lot of poignant moments because it's dealing with the condition of being African American in 1927, and we're looking at the idea — how much have things changed from 1927 to 2024?"
Theatre and the arts have the power to educate and empower.
That's what's happening at the NAATC.
"This company was formed to give voice to the voiceless in our city, to give opportunity for Black people and people of color to do professional theatre that truly speaks to the beauty, the power and humanity of Black stories," Lorene said.
And they plan to keep sharing those stories with audiences in Indianapolis, one show at a time.
"NAATC is changing the landscape of the arts scene in Indianapolis," Benn said.
The production of "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" premieres March 8 and runs through March 24 at the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre on North Illinois Street in downtown Indianapolis.
Click here for ticket information and how you can help sponsor future work at the collective.