The Legend of Buster Neal

Important Note: This event takes place at Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center (in Founders Hall), 130 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.

Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture presents the North Carolina Black Repertory Company’s production of The Legend of Buster Neal. North Carolina Black Repertory Company is the producer of the biennial National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. 

About The Play

What is the true definition of manhood?

A fearless civil rights activist reappears 60 years after his supposed death to face his greatest challenge: his great-great grandson. The Legend of Buster Neal tells the story of four generations of African American men and the challenges each faced. A powerful drama examining legacy, friendship, and fatherhood, the play questions the true definition of manhood.

Disclaimer: This play contains mild adult language.

About The Playwright

A native of New Orleans, Jackie Alexander is an award winning actor, writer, producer, director, former Artistic Director of The Billie Holiday Theatre, and current Artistic Director of The North Carolina Black Repertory Company, producers of The National Black Theatre Festival. His debut feature film Joy, on which he served as actor, writer, and director was awarded Best Feature Film by the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame. The film also earned Best Actor and Best Screenplay honors for Jackie on the festival circuit. Jackie’s debut novel, Our Daily Bread, was published by Turner Publishing in the fall of 2012.

About North Carolina Black Repertory Company

Producers of the National Black Theatre Festival and founded in 1979 by Larry Leon Hamlin, the North Carolina Black Repertory Company (NCBRC) is the first professional Black theatre company in North Carolina. NCBRC is committed to exposing diverse audiences to Black classics, the development and production of new works, improving artistic quality, and sustaining Black theatre internationally. This continues to be the benchmark by which all projects are measured. Further, NCBRC was founded as a vehicle from which theatre professionals can earn a living through their craft.

The Company is universally recognized for its artistic and administrative achievements and its international outreach program, the National Black Theatre Festival ^® (NBTF).

About National Black Theatre Festival

The founder of the National Black Theatre Festival® (NBTF), Larry Leon Hamlin, coined the word “Marvtastic” which means there is nothing greater or better than. “Marvtastic” describes the NBTF. This historic event illuminates the powerful theatrical spirit and extraordinary talent of performers, designers, directors, producers and technicians from across the country and abroad.

During NBTF you will experience electrifying performances, informative workshops, riveting films and insightful spoken word poetry that will open your eyes to the beauty and depth of African-American artistic endeavors. Every evening culminates with a Celebrity Reception, Midnight Readers’ Theatre and the Midnight Poetry Jam.

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