Events

Written and directed by Titus Kaphar, this film follows a Black artist named Tarrell, an admired American painter on the path to success. Tarrell’s artwork excavates beauty from the anguish of his youth, keeping past wounds at bay. His path to success is derailed by an unexpected visit from his estranged father, a conscience-stricken man desperate to reconcile. In this raw and profoundly moving film, Tarrell and his father learn that forgetting might be a greater challenge than forgiving. Note: Veterans FREE at the door with military ID.
Rated R | Run time: 1h 57m
Ages 60 & Better

Embrace the season’s joy by joining us at our annual December family event! Get into the holiday spirit with your community, neighbors, and friends at Publick Playhouse. Children will have a chance to visit and take pictures with Santa. We’ll also offer coloring activities and a screening of the short, animated film Kung Fu Panda Holiday to entertain our youngest guests. Following that, we’ll present our feature film, Prancer: A Christmas Tale (2022). Please note, this event is recommended for ages 3-12, however, everyone must have a ticket to enter.

Join us for an inspiring journey through the life of Thurgood Marshall, the legendary Supreme Court Justice and Civil Rights icon. The film traces his path from Howard and Lincoln Universities to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and ultimately to the nation’s highest court. Directed by Norfolk State graduate Alexis Aggrey and co-executive produced by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Stanley Nelson, this new feature film will debut in 2025 with a special screening at Publick Playhouse. Don’t miss this compelling story of resilience and justice, brought to life by acclaimed filmmakers. Note: reservations strongly recommended due to limited seating.
This film is not yet rated; Run Time: 1 hour

One of the most visually striking, profoundly moving American moviemaking debuts in years, Raven Jackson’s All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt is an arresting immersion into a young woman’s inner world, filmed and edited with an extraordinary tactility and attention to the tiniest detail. This impressionistic journey skips through decades to tell the story of Mack, whose upbringing in rural Mississippi is touched by grace, dotted with heartbreak, and always carried aloft by the surrounding natural beauty. It’s a haunting and richly layered portrait, a beautiful ode to the generations of people and places that shape us.
Rated PG | Run time: 1h 32m

Jump into spring with a little cosplay costume and some animated magic! Join us at the Publick Playhouse for our annual Family Dress-up & Movie Day. Dress as your favorite royal character and capture memorable photos with our special guest, a real-life princess. Enjoy craft activities for kids and then settle in to watch the film Snow White (2025). Please note, this event is recommended for ages 3-12, however, everyone must have a ticket to enter.

Dancers learn praise choreography from the professionals of Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Spaces are limited; advanced registration is recommended.

Dancers learn a mixture of regional dances of Africa from the professionals of Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Women/girls can wear a lappa (2 yards of African print fabric to be wrapped around the waist). Spaces are limited; advanced registration is recommended.