A Powerful August Wilson Drama Hits Phoenix This February

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Black Theatre Troupe (BTT) presents JITNEY, a powerful and deeply human drama by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson, running February 6 through February 22 at the Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington St. Tickets and additional information are available at blacktheatretroupe.org.

Set in 1970s Pittsburgh, August Wilson’s JITNEY explores the lives of unlicensed cab drivers—men hustling to survive while providing vital transportation in their community. Operating out of a run-down station, they face mounting tensions, generational clashes, and the looming threat of urban renewal. When the boss’s estranged son returns from prison, long-buried wounds resurface. Through sharp dialogue and rich character dynamics, Jitney offers a powerful portrait of Black life, resilience, and the complexities of family and redemption.

August Wilson’s JITNEY, written in 1979 is the first of the 10 monumental works in the American Century Cycle- his epic collection of plays that span across the decades to document African American experiences in the 20th century. Through his lyrical dialogue and richly drawn characters, the play offers an intimate portrait of everyday people navigating loyalty, responsibility, and hope.

Black Theatre Troupe’s production is directed by Rachel Finley and features a dynamic ensemble cast including Roosevelt Watts as Doub, Dion Belcher as Philmore, Kenneth Wayne Love as Jim Becker, Jonah B. Taylor as Shealy, Kay B. Rose as Rena, Jonathan Davis as Youngblood, Rapheal Hamilton as Booster, Eric L. Banks as Turnbo, and Calvin Worthen as Fielding.

August Wilson’s Jitney Cast & Creative Team

“Jitney is about people who create their own systems of care when the world overlooks them,” said Director Rachel Finley. “These characters are flawed, funny, and fiercely human. August Wilson gives us a story that honors the dignity of working people and reminds us that community is often built in the most unexpected places.”

AUGUST WILSON’S JITNEY

When: February 6 – 22, 2026

Where: Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center

Director: Rachel Finley

Tickets: $50

blacktheatretroupe.org

Fri, Feb 6, 2026 at 7:30 pm
Sat, Feb 7, 2026 at 7:30 pm
Sun, Feb 8, 2026 at 2:30 pm
Thu, Feb 12, 2026 at 2:00 pm
Fri, Feb 13, 2026 at 7:30 pm
Sat, Feb 14, 2026 at 2:00 pm
Sat, Feb 14, 2026 at 7:30 pm
Sun, Feb 15, 2026 at 2:30 pm
Fri, Feb 20, 2026 at 7:30 pm
Sat, Feb 21, 2026 at 2:00 pm
Sat, Feb 21, 2026 at 7:30 pm
Sun, Feb 22, 2026 at 2:30 pm

About Black Theatre Troupe

Founded by Helen K. Mason in 1970 as a space for underserved artists to share the Black experience, Black Theatre Troupe began performing small plays, poetry readings, and musical performances in a community center in Phoenix’s historic multi-cultural Eastlake Park. The Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center is now the company’s permanent home, a state-of-the-art facility located at Washington and 14th Streets in downtown Phoenix – exactly two blocks from where it all began. It features a 150-seat theatre, rehearsal space, costume shop and administrative offices. The Black Theatre Troupe’s main-stage productions and educational outreach programs serve constituents from seniors to young adults and children.

Recognized as one of the longest, continuously operating Black theatre companies in the United States, Black Theatre Troupe has become one of Phoenix’s major cultural attractions, providing training, employment and performance opportunities for multi-ethnic and underserved artists for over 50 years.

Black Theatre Troupe’s productions and educational outreach programs broaden and enhance relationships within the community, from seniors and young adults to children, fostering understanding outside the Black community and bridging divisions which have too often separated people of color from the majority population.

Since its debut production in 1970 of Lonnie Elder’s nationally acclaimed drama of social and political consciousness, Ceremonies in Dark Old Men, Black Theatre Troupe has gained a national reputation for producing powerful works with an emphasis on Black playwrights and is dedicated to delivering some of the country’s most courageous theater, while illuminating our shared humanity.