Haddon Township's Ritz Theatre To Screen Documentary Virtually

HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ — Although it can’t be open for live performances, Haddon Township’s Ritz Theatre will still present a show — virtually — next weekend.

“Discovering Blackness,” a short documentary written by local University of the Arts graduate Briana Gause, will run from March 26-28, the theater announced. The show follows the character Destiny and the students of Prince Washington Institute as they go through an emotional journey to reclaim pride in their Black identity.

“Discovering Blackness is a short documentary about one girl’s quest to discover Blackness. No matter your complexion or complexity, this is a play that encourages folks to see themselves, and embrace what they find,” Gause said. “For me, Discovering Blackness is the culmination of a 24-year existential examination. Blackness has always been a part of me, and yet it has also been a question and quest. I’m grateful to all the stories and experiences that have made me and this story what we are, and I hope that this play can also inspire the next wave of folks to embrace who they are – in all their shades and complexities.”

The documentary comes at a time when racial injustice has been in the headlines, and schools re re-examining how they teach Black history in their curriculum. The show features an all-Black cast.

“Haddon Township is grateful to Briana for sharing her inspiring and creative work for all to experience on the Ritz Theatre stage,” Haddon Township Mayor Randall Teague said.

• Friday, March 26, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 27, 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, March 28, 2 p.m.

For more information on Discovering Blackness and to purchase tickets, visit www.ritztheatreco.org/show/discovering-blackness. For more information on Ritz Theatre, visit www.ritztheatreco.org.