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 Based on true events when the Communist Party in the Soviet Union courted African American actors during the Great Depression
Based on true events when the Communist Party courted African Americans in 1932 by championing their civil rights and opposing racist injustices, four Harlemites fleeing racial injustice and the economic fallout of the great depression, win roles in a blockbuster film financed by Joseph Stalin. Once in the Soviet Union, they pursue the dreams denied them in the US, but when they discover the country is hiding a devastating secret, they’ll be forced to escape it with their lives. Company of Angels presents the premiere of Red Harlem, written by playwright Kimba Henderson. Directed by Bernadette Speakes, Red Harlem opens February 14 at Boyle Heights’ Company of Angels, with performances continuing through March 15. One low-priced preview takes place on February 13 at 8 p.m.
Red Harlem takes place during the historic time in history when the Communist Party’s campaign attracted thousands of new Black members during the great depression, presenting itself as a more radical alternative to organizations like the NAACP. For many African Americans facing extreme discrimination during the Great Depression, the Communist Party’s outspoken solidarity was a powerful draw.
Henderson’s latest play reflects her skill for telling complex multi-character drama with humanity and humor to boot. RED HARLEM, developed with the Company of Angels’ professional playwriting group, highlights the true story of the Communist Party’s recruitment efforts in the 1930s by casting a propagandist film with Black performers from Harlem that was written by Langston Hughes and shot in the Soviet Union. The intersectionality of race, class, nationality, and politics are seamlessly woven into a fascinating tapestry that depicts a virtually unknown bit of history.
Presenter / Producer: Company of Angels
Listed Categories
Theater > Drama
Event Phone: 323-270-6325
Venue
Company of Angels
1350 San Pablo St
Los Angeles CA 90033
Regions:
LA - Central / Downtown
Performance Dates: 2/13/2026 - 3/15/2026
Friday, 02/13/2026
Saturday, 02/14/2026
Sunday, 02/15/2026
Friday, 02/20/2026
Saturday, 02/21/2026
Sunday, 02/22/2026
Friday, 02/27/2026
Saturday, 02/28/2026
Sunday, 03/01/2026
Friday, 03/06/2026
Saturday, 03/07/2026
Sunday, 03/08/2026
Friday, 03/13/2026
Saturday, 03/14/2026
Sunday, 03/15/2026
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Performance Times
Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Sundays at 3 p.m.
Ticket Information:
$10-$30
Web Link for ticketing
Websites:
Event Information
Social Media or other Links:
https://www.facebook.com/companyofangels
https://www.instagram.com/coangels/
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