Denver, CO – The Emancipation Theater Company is set to premiere its ambitious new production, “Jedidiah Blackstone: Origin Story of an Alter Ego & the Untold Tales from the Darkside of the West,” a groundbreaking hip-hop cowboy epic that promises to illuminate often-overlooked chapters of Black history in the American West. Directed by Shayla Riggle, the play will run from September 25 through October 5, 2025, at the Clayton Early Learning Center, offering a vital platform for these significant stories.
This genre-bending theatrical event is crafted by Jeff Campbell, the founder of Emancipation Theater Company, who also stars as the titular character. “Jedidiah Blackstone” is more than just a play; it’s described as a cultural reclamation project, delving into the poetic and mythic spaces of the frontier to resurrect the names and legacies of Black pioneers. The narrative follows a modern-day artist who uncovers the forgotten history of Black figures buried beneath Colorado’s soil, transforming into a cowboy poet dedicated to bringing their stories to light.
“In a time when Black history is under attack from the highest levels of government, we’re raising our voices through art,” Campbell stated, emphasizing the production’s timely relevance. “This season is our response. We are countering the war on Black history, loud, clear, and unapologetically on stage.”
A Fusion of Art Forms and Historical Resonance
The production masterfully blends spoken word, live music, and dance, creating a dynamic and immersive experience. Featured artists include DJ Musa on turntables, vocalists Erica Brown and Merrian Johnson, and dancers DeAndre Carroll and Lino Dupa. The play’s score will feature original songs such as “The Day the Devil Went Down to Denver,” “Welcome Home,” and “Darkside of the West,” each serving as both a narrative device and a powerful declaration.
The play’s thematic core lies in its commitment to unearthing and amplifying Black Western history. It reimagines the frontier through the lens of historical figures like Clara Brown, Jeremiah Lee, and Lorenzo Bowman, placing their experiences in conversation with contemporary issues of truth, identity, and cultural erasure. This approach is deeply rooted in the broader resurgence of interest in Black Western narratives, as seen in popular media.
Cultural Echoes and Contemporary Influences
The timing of “Jedidiah Blackstone” aligns with a growing cultural momentum that is bringing Black Western stories to the forefront. The success of historical dramas like “Lawmen: Bass Reeves,” which dramatizes the life of one of the first Black Deputy U.S. Marshals west of the Mississippi, and Beyoncé’s critically acclaimed album “Cowboy Carter,” which celebrates the Black roots of country music and the wider cowboy aesthetic, signal a significant shift in how American history and culture are being viewed and represented. These cultural touchstones highlight the persistent underrepresentation of Black contributions to the West and underscore the importance of projects like Campbell’s that actively work to correct this historical omission.
Colorado itself boasts a rich tapestry of Black history, from early pioneer days to the establishment of agricultural communities like Dearfield, and the significant contributions of figures such as Barney Ford and the Buffalo Soldiers. Museums like the Black American West Museum & Heritage Center in Denver are dedicated to preserving and sharing these crucial stories, making Denver a fitting stage for a production that champions this legacy. The play’s setting in the “poetic, mythic space between the real and the imagined” allows it to connect these historical threads to contemporary consciousness, positioning history not as a static subject but as a living, breathing force that shapes identity and understanding.
Emancipation Theater Company’s Mission
Founded by Jeff Campbell, an artist, activist, and educator, the Emancipation Theater Company is dedicated to disrupting dominant narratives and reclaiming Black history through “fearless artistic expression.” The company aims to find freedom in collective existence, fostering self-determination, cooperation, and truth-telling. Their past productions have often tackled social commentary and civic engagement, using art as a tool for advocacy, addressing issues ranging from police brutality to the plight of those experiencing homelessness.
“Jedidiah Blackstone” is a direct manifestation of this mission, offering a powerful artistic response to what Campbell describes as a “war on Black history.” By creating original stage productions and offering master courses in storytelling, the company actively contributes to the cultural landscape, inspiring artists and educating audiences about the depth and breadth of the Black experience.
Premiere Details and Call to Action
The production will hold an exclusive Industry Night Preview on Wednesday, September 24, for press, producers, and VIP guests, followed by its official opening on September 25. Performances will continue through October 5, with evenings on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, and matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 PM. Tickets are priced at $30 for general admission. The venue, Clayton Early Learning Center, located at 3801 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Denver, will host these significant performances, further embedding the play’s themes within the community.
“Jedidiah Blackstone” stands as a testament to the enduring power of Black stories and their vital role in shaping a more complete understanding of American history. It is a compelling invitation to explore the “untold tales from the darkside of the West,” offering a new perspective on the frontier spirit and the multifaceted individuals who forged it. The production promises to be a top cultural event, weaving together history, music, and powerful storytelling to create an unforgettable theatrical experience.
For more information or to secure tickets, audiences are encouraged to visit the Emancipation Theater Company’s official channels.
