BAMKE THEATRE FESTIVAL | Vel & Groppi - In The Deep Tracks World Premiere

Black Arts MKE (BAMKE) is thrilled to unveil the full lineup for the 4th Annual Theatre Festival, running August 12 - 29, 2026. This year's celebration of Black Theatre, storytelling and culture features a dynamic lineup of original performances: World Premiere of Vel & Groppi In The Deep Tracks / The Stories We Carry / and "the kids 'WE' used to be!

Designed to uplift and honor Black creatives, the Festival kicks off on August 12 with Youth & Family Night, one of the festival's most popular community events, showcasing the talents and creativity of young performers through an evening of family-friendly activities.

The festival's featured production is the world premiere of Vel & Groppi: In the Deep Tracks by playwright Josh Pohja, directed by acclaimed Milwaukee artist Sheri Williams Pannell. Inspired by Milwaukee history and the enduring legacy of Vel Phillips and Father James Groppi, the newly developed work brings an important chapter of the city's story to life for contemporary audiences.

The festival also features the debut of The Stories We Carry, a spoken word and mental health experience by author, therapist, and poet Cedric Dale Hoard exploring healing, emotional wellness, and the stories that shape our lives.

Additional programming includes "the kids 'WE' used to be!" featuring acclaimed spokenword artist and author Jasmine Sims, inviting audiences to reconnect with childhood wonder, imagination, and possibility. THE MERGE: A Conversation between MKE-based Film & Theatre professionals, explores the intersection of film and theatre. Auditions for the 11th annual holiday production of BLACK NATIVITY BY LANGSTON HUGHES.

Throughout August, the festival will feature both ticketed and free events. Programming includes theatre, spoken word, artist development workshops, auditions, community conversations, Youth & Family Night, and more. Events will be hosted at venues throughout Milwaukee, including Radio Milwaukee's Rooftop, the Wisconsin Black Historical Society, Northern Lights Studio, Style Pop Café, and Studio 4A at the Marcus Performing Arts Center.