Spelman College Theater Department Makes Debut on PBS’ Dangerous Acts Docuseries

Spelman theater connecting generations through immersive storytelling

Spelman College’s theater department has been featured in PBS’ docuseries, "Dangerous Acts," where student actors creatively retell the stories of Black women writers from the early-20th century in partnership with Lucille Lortel Theater. The Department of Theater and Performance has the honor of appearing in the first episode of the season two premiere. Under the direction of professor Aku Kadogo, lecturer of theater and performance, students performed the readings of “Blue Blood” by Georgia Douglas Johnson and “Her” by Eulalie Spence.

“It was an honor to be considered for Lortel Theatre’s Dangerous Acts series,” said Kadogo. “This was exciting for our department and for the world to see the work that our students are producing. Blue Blood by Georgia Douglas Johnson and Her by Eulalie Spence have historically been overlooked in terms of their connection to the Harlem Renaissance.”

"Dangerous Acts" is a collaborative production between the Lucille Lortel Theatre and Historically Black Colleges and Universities celebrating Black playwrights from the early 20th century. Other HBCUs such as Hampton University and Howard University appeared in the first season.

Kadogo pulled in support from her campus colleagues. Dr. Michelle Hite, Ph.D., a literature, media and writing associate professor in the Literature, Media and Writing department, worked as dramaturg on the 100-year-old plays and Holly Smith, the College’s archivist, was recommended by Kadogo to offer historical insight and knowledge to the Lortel team.

“It’s exciting to know that the Department of Theater and Performance is represented globally by the work of our students. The actual documentary can be found on PBS All Arts or on YouTube. Spelman to the world!”

View the episode featuring Spelman’s theater department here.