As part of the 2024-2025 Theater Up Close Season, the Arsht Center and City Theatre present the Southeastern premiere of Black Santa by Aaron Mays, on select dates from December 5 - 22.
Set in the Dartmouth Day School just before Christmas break, Black Santa tells the story of a third grader named Sharifa as she announces to her class that "Santa Claus is a Black man from Detroit." This declaration sends the school into a frenzy, and Patrice Patterson, the school's only Black teacher, is tasked with creating an ad campaign to revert Santa's image to white. As the situation escalates, Sharifa's enrollment becomes threatened, forcing Patrice to navigate a difficult path to protect both Sharifa and herself.
This absurdist comedy delves into the complexities of race and racial bias, highlighting how even the most benign symbols, like Santa Claus, can be affected. The play offers a thought-provoking and humorous examination of these themes, making it suitable for audiences aged 14 and older.
Art of Black Miami
