Friday, September 13, 2024
Ceremonies from in the name of the m/other tree
FRI, September 13 - SUN, September 22, 2024
FRI, September 13 - SUN, September 22, 2024
Doors Open
3:00PM EDT
Show Starts
4:00PM EDT
Ages
Where
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Event Date
September 13, 2024
Event Time
4:00PM EDT
Awards Presentation & Concert
Dinner & Dancing
Location
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria

Fresh off the success of 125th & Freedom comes The Divining: Ceremonies from in the name of the m/other tree, conceived and curated by Ebony Noelle Golden, is a powerful series of ritual performances, processions, and visual installations that invite you to experience the intersection of art, activism, and spirituality. 

Guided by the wisdom of ancestors and the urgency of now, this theatrical ceremony combines movement, poetry, percussion and visual art in a call to reclaim our connection to the land and to each other. The Divining: Ceremonies in the name of the m/other tree weaves together the rhythms of climate change, environmental justice, and the deep roots of Harlem's heritage.

Audiences are invited to travel throughout Harlem in this walking processional with the cast of The Divining: ceremonies from in the name of the m/other tree and members of our community. Featuring micro-rituals, poetry and percussion audiences will be guided to sacred sites throughout Harlem ending at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria.   Audiences are encouraged to wear white or blue.

About the Production:

Feverish floods and land-quakes unfold when three mother trees vanish. The mystical and magical town of Here is swept up in the undertow. Sisters Teeny and Vetiver spiral. The people must decide.  Return to their ancestors’ ways or perish with the faithless.

About Apollo New Works:

The Apollo New Works initiative expands upon The Apollo’s mission to support the creation of new work by Black artists. Emerging and established multidisciplinary artists are commissioned and provided space, time, and resources to create, develop, and present work across The Apollo stages — including The Apollo Stages at The Victoria, which will serve as the main incubation space. Commissioned works will include world premiere performances, festivals, and programs rooted in music, dance, theater, poetry, and more.

Presented by The Apollo & National Black Theatre


Commissioned by The Apollo’s Harlem 100 initiative


Written, Directed and Choreographed by Apollo New Works Artist Ebony Noelle Golden


Featuring Jupiter Performance Studio

Creative Team:

Ebony "Es" Webster  |  Associate Choreographer
Kofi Hunter | M/D Composer
Jessica Howard | Vocal coach
Rodrigo Muñoz  |  Costume Designer
Ray Archie  |  Sound Design
Izmir Ickbal  |  Scenic Design
Viktor Givens  |  Scenic Environmentalist/Installation Artist
Belynda M'Baye  | Props Design
Emma Deane  | Lighting Design

Graham Zellers |Lighting Design
Sierre Leverett  | Script Associate
Omisade Burney-Scott  |  Dramaturg
Dr. Omi Osun Joni L. Jones  |  Dramaturg
Dr. Alexis Pauline Gumbs  |  Additional text/Dramaturg
Toshi Reagon  |  Project Mentor
Jack Meister-Lopez  | Production Stage Manager
Brianna Guillen  |  Assistant Stage Manager

Amber Snead  | Casting Director

Funders And Supporters

Apollo Theater, National Black Theatre, Double Edge Theatre, New York Theatre Workshop, Mercury Store, The Shed-Open call Program, Hi-Arts, Toshi Reagon & Wise Reagon Art, Pilsbury House + Theatre, Green Apu Productions & Central Mesa, New England Foundation for the Arts - National Theater Project, Network of Ensemble Theaters, NYSCA, LMCC- UMEZ and Arts Engagement, MacDowell, Saltwater RoadArtist Residency and Performance Institute, Mumbet’s Freedom Farm, Mississippi Center for Cultural Production, Mondo Bizarro, Yaddo

Co-Presenter
National Black Theater
National Black Theater
Friday, September 13, 2024
FRI, September 13 - SUN, September 22, 2024

Fresh off the success of 125th & Freedom comes The Divining: Ceremonies from in the name of the m/other tree, conceived and curated by Ebony Noelle Golden, is a powerful series of ritual performances, processions, and visual installations that invite you to experience the intersection of art, activism, and spirituality. 

Guided by the wisdom of ancestors and the urgency of now, this theatrical ceremony combines movement, poetry, percussion and visual art in a call to reclaim our connection to the land and to each other. The Divining: Ceremonies in the name of the m/other tree weaves together the rhythms of climate change, environmental justice, and the deep roots of Harlem's heritage.

Audiences are invited to travel throughout Harlem in this walking processional with the cast of The Divining: ceremonies from in the name of the m/other tree and members of our community. Featuring micro-rituals, poetry and percussion audiences will be guided to sacred sites throughout Harlem ending at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria.   Audiences are encouraged to wear white or blue.

About the Production:

Feverish floods and land-quakes unfold when three mother trees vanish. The mystical and magical town of Here is swept up in the undertow. Sisters Teeny and Vetiver spiral. The people must decide.  Return to their ancestors’ ways or perish with the faithless.

About Apollo New Works:

The Apollo New Works initiative expands upon The Apollo’s mission to support the creation of new work by Black artists. Emerging and established multidisciplinary artists are commissioned and provided space, time, and resources to create, develop, and present work across The Apollo stages — including The Apollo Stages at The Victoria, which will serve as the main incubation space. Commissioned works will include world premiere performances, festivals, and programs rooted in music, dance, theater, poetry, and more.

Doors Open
3:00PM EDT
Show Starts
4:00PM EDT
Ages
Where
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Event Date
September 13, 2024
Event Time
4:00PM EDT
Awards Presentation & Concert
Dinner & Dancing
Location
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Co-Presenter
National Black Theater
National Black Theater

Presented by The Apollo & National Black Theatre


Commissioned by The Apollo’s Harlem 100 initiative


Written, Directed and Choreographed by Apollo New Works Artist Ebony Noelle Golden


Featuring Jupiter Performance Studio

Creative Team:

Ebony "Es" Webster  |  Associate Choreographer
Kofi Hunter | M/D Composer
Jessica Howard | Vocal coach
Rodrigo Muñoz  |  Costume Designer
Ray Archie  |  Sound Design
Izmir Ickbal  |  Scenic Design
Viktor Givens  |  Scenic Environmentalist/Installation Artist
Belynda M'Baye  | Props Design
Emma Deane  | Lighting Design

Graham Zellers |Lighting Design
Sierre Leverett  | Script Associate
Omisade Burney-Scott  |  Dramaturg
Dr. Omi Osun Joni L. Jones  |  Dramaturg
Dr. Alexis Pauline Gumbs  |  Additional text/Dramaturg
Toshi Reagon  |  Project Mentor
Jack Meister-Lopez  | Production Stage Manager
Brianna Guillen  |  Assistant Stage Manager

Amber Snead  | Casting Director

Funders And Supporters

Apollo Theater, National Black Theatre, Double Edge Theatre, New York Theatre Workshop, Mercury Store, The Shed-Open call Program, Hi-Arts, Toshi Reagon & Wise Reagon Art, Pilsbury House + Theatre, Green Apu Productions & Central Mesa, New England Foundation for the Arts - National Theater Project, Network of Ensemble Theaters, NYSCA, LMCC- UMEZ and Arts Engagement, MacDowell, Saltwater RoadArtist Residency and Performance Institute, Mumbet’s Freedom Farm, Mississippi Center for Cultural Production, Mondo Bizarro, Yaddo

Apollo New Works Artist
Ebony Noelle Golden
Ebony Noelle Golden
Playwright/Director
New York, US
Bebe Winans
Choreographer & Dancer
London, UK
Meme Manning
Voice Actress
Los Angeles, US
Leia Manson
Supporting Actress
Chicago, US
Ben Jefferson
Stand-in & Dancer
Special Guests
Jason Laws
Zenni Corbin
SHESHE Dance
Trevor Hayes
Sierra Leverett
Rayna Nakai
EVENT DETAILS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Important information — there is a VIP upgrade option that will include:

Arrival Time:
Ticket holders are required to arrive by 3:30 PM. Please note that late arrivals may result in your ticket being reassigned to someone on the waitlist. 

RSVP Status:
RSVPs for Saturday, September 14th performance of The Divining: Ceremonies in the name of the m/other tree are now closed. However, those still wishing to attend may join the waitlist. Waitlist tickets will be distributed in person at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning after 3:30 PM on the day of the performance.

Late Seating:
There will be no late seating. We kindly ask all guests to arrive on time.

Exclusive access to the pre-show VIP lounge
Express entry into the theater
VIP wristband
T‍ickets
FREE W/ RSVP
Genre
Apollo's Stages at The Victoria
Theater & Dance
Apollo Presents
Free Events
TODAY
No available events at the moment.

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The Apollo mainstage
Accessible Seating
The Apollo’s Historic Theater has 12 wheelchair seating locations available for every show, all on the Orchestra seating level. Tickets for wheelchair seating locations can be purchased at The Apollo Theater box office or on Ticketmaster.

Four wheelchair seating locations will be reserved until the day of each performance.Each seating level is accessible via the elevator inside The Apollo’s Historic Theater. Guests should be aware of the small steps leading toward the Mezzanine and Balcony seating levels. Depending on the guest’s ticket location for these two levels, additional walking may be required. If guests are not able to travel up and down steps, tickets for events should be purchased for the Orchestra level.
VICTORIA THEATER 1
Accessible Seating
Victoria Theater 1 is a 199-seat flexible black box theater that can be transformed into a myriad of configurations and styles. It features an intimate lounge-like space that is ideal for stage productions, concerts, panel discussions, commercial shoots and private functions.
JONELLE PROCOPE THEATER
Accessible Seating
The Jonelle Procope Theater, named in honor of the former Apollo President/CEO, is a 99-seat flexible black box theater that can be transformed into a myriad of configurations and styles. It features an intimate lounge-like space that is ideal for intimate concerts, panel conversations, commercial shoots, private functions, exhibits, or installations.
The Apollo mainstage
Accessible Seating
The Apollo’s Historic Theater has 12 wheelchair seating locations available for every show, all on the Orchestra seating level. Tickets for wheelchair seating locations can be purchased at The Apollo Theater box office or on Ticketmaster.

Four wheelchair seating locations will be reserved until the day of each performance.Each seating level is accessible via the elevator inside The Apollo’s Historic Theater. Guests should be aware of the small steps leading toward the Mezzanine and Balcony seating levels. Depending on the guest’s ticket location for these two levels, additional walking may be required. If guests are not able to travel up and down steps, tickets for events should be purchased for the Orchestra level.
TODAY
Nov 20
Through Dec 18
|
Nov 20
-
Dec 18
Got The Power Boomboxes: SUGARCANE AND COTTON
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Got The Power Boomboxes: SUGARCANE AND COTTON

Experience a powerful exploration of music, art and cultural liberation with Got The Power Boomboxes: Sugarcane and Cotton by renowned installation artist Bayeté Ross Smith.

Engage with a dynamic soundscape featuring freedom songs cherished by Harlem residents, their stories, and historical insights about the impact of the sugar and cotton industries on our present and future. These two sculptures continue the conversation about preserving our nation’s history and its broader significance.

 

Got The Power Boomboxes: Sugarcane and Cotton will be on view at The Laura and Frank Baker Gallery at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria through December 18, 2024. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this impactful exhibition.

Nov 27
| 7:30PM EDT
Nov 27
-
Nov 27
Amateur Night at The Apollo
Apollo Historic Theater
Amateur Night at The Apollo

Known as one of New York’s most popular live entertainment experiences, Amateur Night at The Apollo attracts performers and audiences from around the world in a classic talent competition that has launched the careers of countless legendary artists, from Ella Fitzgerald, Luther Vandross, Lauryn Hill, H.E.R, Machine Gun Kelly, Jazmine Sullivan and more. 

 

Join the fun with the weekly classic competition that sheds light on the careers of a whole new roster of stars. Be a part of the notoriously “tough” audience in an interactive evening unlike any other and lend your voice to decide who will “Be Good or Be Gone!” to win the triumphant grand prize. 

Amateur Night at The Apollo sponsored by Coca-Cola, is hosted by the comedian Capone. Each show begins with a festive pre-party featuring video and music by DJ Jess and Set It Off Man Greginald Spencer. Keep a lookout for C.P. Lacey, the resident Executioner who sweeps bad talent off the stage!

Nov 28
| 8:00AM EDT
Nov 28
-
Nov 28
Gobble Gobble Give
The Apollo's Historic Theater
Gobble Gobble Give

This year, we’re thrilled to welcome volunteers of all ages to The Apollo  to celebrate a full Gobble Gobble Give NYC event!

Join us on Thanksgiving, with shifts starting at 8am, for an inspiring day of giving back to people in need in Harlem and across the city. After focusing on a toy and donation drive in recent years due to the pandemic, we’re bringing back meal preparation, donation sorting, toy distribution, and our special Children’s Holiday Workshop, where kids can create holiday crafts for the families we help. This is a family-friendly event, so bring the kids; children are not only welcome but encouraged to help!

  • Meal Assembly Station: Volunteers will prepare individual meals to be delivered to local shelters, families, and individuals in need.
  • Meal and Donation Deployment Area: This is where volunteers will organize meals, donations, and supplies for pickup and delivery by the different organizations we’re helping.
  • Kids Holiday Workshop: A creative space where children can make holiday crafts, such as cards, ornaments, and friendship bracelets for children in need.
  • Toy, Food, Clothing, and Toiletry Sorting: Volunteers will help organize the donations of toys, non-perishable food, clothing, and toiletries we receive, ensuring that every item gets to the right place.
  • Family Portrait Corner: As a thank-you for their participation, volunteers will receive a professional portrait to commemorate the meaningful day.

Join us on Thanksgiving Day to make a lasting impact—because your time and kindness could be the reason someone feels the warmth of the holiday season.

Nov 30
| 7:00PM EDT
Nov 30
-
Nov 30
poetry me, please
Apollo's Historic Theater
poetry me, please

Rashan Brown presents poetry me, please at The Apollo—Back by Popular Demand!

After selling out in 2023, we're bringing PMP back to the iconic theater for an unforgettable night of poetry in 2024. Join us on Saturday, November 30th as we continue to put spoken word on the main stage.

Hosted by the dynamic duo Young Prince & The Comedian, with sounds by DJ Complete, this night promises to be the LARGEST and most electrifying pure poetry show in New York and the greater Eastern Region. Expect performances from some of the world's most acclaimed poets, surprise guest appearances, and musical talents that will inspire you. Experience poetry like never before—the PMP way.

poetry me, please isn’t just an event series; it's a movement. We are a content production studio dedicated to giving artists a platform, providing access to a community of over 2,500 creatives, and offering high-quality video content to enhance their portfolios. We are your one-stop shop for expression and creativity, always putting poets first. This is more than a night out; it’s a chance to be part of history.

no expectations, just a night at ease; but only one request; poetry me, please

Dec 4
| 7:30PM EDT
Dec 4
-
Dec 4
Amateur Night at The Apollo
Apollo Historic Theater
Amateur Night at The Apollo

Known as one of New York’s most popular live entertainment experiences, Amateur Night at The Apollo attracts performers and audiences from around the world in a classic talent competition that has launched the careers of countless legendary artists, from Ella Fitzgerald, Luther Vandross, Lauryn Hill, H.E.R, Machine Gun Kelly, Jazmine Sullivan and more. 

 

Join the fun with the weekly classic competition that sheds light on the careers of a whole new roster of stars. Be a part of the notoriously “tough” audience in an interactive evening unlike any other and lend your voice to decide who will “Be Good or Be Gone!” to win the triumphant grand prize. 

Amateur Night at The Apollo sponsored by Coca-Cola, is hosted by the comedian Capone. Each show begins with a festive pre-party featuring video and music by DJ Jess and Set It Off Man Greginald Spencer. Keep a lookout for C.P. Lacey, the resident Executioner who sweeps bad talent off the stage!

Dec 5
| 10:00PM EDT
Dec 5
-
Dec 5
Apollo Comedy Club
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Apollo Comedy Club

Presented in partnership with Bob Sumner (producer of Def Comedy Jam, creator of Laff Mobb on Aspire), the Apollo Comedy Club celebrates these rich comedic roots with an evening of comedy on the Apollo’s Stages at the Victoria to serve as a late-night hotspot featuring the best emerging talent in comedy today.

The Apollo has a long history of launching the careers of countless legendary artists and performers in a variety of genres, including comedy. Comedic legends Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, Monique, Jamie Foxx and Jackie Mabley (a.k.a. Moms) have all delighted audiences from the Apollo stage.

Dec 5
| 7:00PM EDT
Dec 5
-
Dec 5
The Root 100 2024
Apollo's Historic Theater
The Root 100 2024

For one legendary night, The Root—the foremost digital media publisher covering Black news and Black views—is taking over the mainstage of The Apollo for a star-studded evening of comedy, music, and inspiring speeches celebrating the brilliance and beauty of Blackness.


Hosted by acclaimed comedian and Emmy® Award nominee Roy Wood Jr, the night will honor influencers on The Root 100 list — an annual newsroom ranking of African Americans who are breaking down barriers and paving the way for the next generation. In addition, there will be a number of high-profile musical performances, including singer-songwriter Ledisi, among others.

The night will also spotlight The Root’s talented editorial staff, with the site’s Editor-in-Chief Tatsha Robertson introducing a select few surprise guest honorees to accept the distinction live.

Dec 6
| 10:00PM EDT
Dec 6
-
Dec 6
Apollo Music Café: Luedji Luna
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Apollo Music Café: Luedji Luna

Herald as one of the most powerful new voices in Brazil, Luedji Luna makes The Apollo the first stop on her U.S. tour. In this rare, intimate setting, the Grammy-nominated vocalist performs music from the albums Bom Mesmo É Estar Debaixo D'água and Um Corpo no Mundo. Her versatile repertoire flows like water and includes piano-led ballads, jazz fusion, candomblé-inspired Brazilian pop and African polyrhythms backed by West African spinning guitars. Luedji Luna closes out the year with the global message of peace, unity, hope and love.

Dec 7
| 10:00PM EDT
Dec 7
-
Dec 7
Apollo Music Café: Josiah Bell
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Apollo Music Café: Josiah Bell

As we close out the year, singer, songwriter and DJ Josiah Bell rings in a night of music for you to dust-off, reset and remix! This spirit-lifting evening opens with Josiah performing songs from his new release Give It To God Go To Sleep. Then put on your dancing shoes as Josiah gets behind the DJ booth and shifts the room to a house party that blends music from Aretha to Marvin. It’s a night of renewal and release with the aim to take you higher!

Dec 7
| 1:00PM EDT
Dec 7
-
Dec 7
Double Dutch Holiday Classic
Apollo's Historic Theater
Double Dutch Holiday Classic

In 1973, David A. Walker, then a New York City Police Community Affairs Detective, developed the street game of Double Dutch into the World Class Sport that it is today. Since that initial tournament in 1974, competitive Double Dutch has expanded with citywide and national championships. Nearly 100,000 girls and boys representing schools and community centers throughout the United States and the world compete for team positions at the national and international events. The NDDL 33rd Annual, David A. Walker Memorial, Double Dutch Holiday Classic makes possible speed and music fusion events for the best Double Dutch teams in the world. Each year, since 1991, the Double Dutch Holiday Classic has sold out to parent supported, standing room only audiences.

Dec 10
| 7:30PM EDT
Dec 10
-
Dec 10
Luther: Never Too Much
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Luther: Never Too Much

Step into the world of Apollo Legend Luther Vandross like never before with Luther: Never Too Much, a sneak-peek documentary screening at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria. Featuring rare and never-before-seen archival footage, this intimate film allows the icon to tell his own story, with insights from his closest friends and legendary musical collaborators including Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, and Roberta Flack. Following the film, stay for a talkback with filmmaker, Dawn Porter.

Be one of the first to experience this powerful documentary before its on-air premiere.

Dec 11
| 7:30PM EDT
Dec 11
-
Dec 11
Amateur Night at The Apollo: Quarter Final
Apollo Historic Theater
Amateur Night at The Apollo: Quarter Final

Known as one of New York’s most popular live entertainment experiences, Amateur Night at The Apollo attracts performers and audiences from around the world in a classic talent competition that has launched the careers of countless legendary artists, from Ella Fitzgerald, Luther Vandross, Lauryn Hill, H.E.R, Machine Gun Kelly, Jazmine Sullivan and more. 

 

Join the fun with the weekly classic competition that sheds light on the careers of a whole new roster of stars. Be a part of the notoriously “tough” audience in an interactive evening unlike any other and lend your voice to decide who will “Be Good or Be Gone!” to win the triumphant grand prize. 

Amateur Night at The Apollo sponsored by Coca-Cola, is hosted by the comedian Capone. Each show begins with a festive pre-party featuring video and music by DJ Jess and Set It Off Man Greginald Spencer. Keep a lookout for C.P. Lacey, the resident Executioner who sweeps bad talent off the stage!

APOLLO'S HISTORIC THEATER
253 W 125th Street,
New York, NY 10027
Mainstage
A complete renovation in 2005 restored The Apollo’s Mainstage Auditorium to its storybook, turn-of-the-century elegance. With its 1,500 seats, state-of-the-art capacities, all-new sound system and extensive roster of support services, it is an ideal venue for performances, public forums, fashion shows, television or photo shoots, private fundraising events, weddings, and graduations. Some of the biggest stars and biggest brands on the world stage have rented The Apollo.
WEEKDAYS
10AM - 6PM
SATURDAY
12PM - 5PM
SUNDAY
Closed
*Tickets: Get tickets online through Ticketmaster.com or in person at both Box Office locations
*Group Sales: To book your group of 10 or more, contact group.sales@apollotheater.org
(212) 531-5305
The Apollo’s Historic Theater
253 W 125th St,
New York, NY 10027
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
233 W 125th St, Third Floor
New York, NY 10027
*Tickets: Get tickets online through Ticketmaster.com or in person at both Box Office locations
*Group Sales: To book your group of 10 or more, contact group.sales@apollotheater.org
WEEKDAYS
10AM - 6PM
SATURDAY
12PM - 5PM
SUNDAY
Closed

Celebrate the past, present, and future of Black art and creativity. Your generosity supports The Apollo in fulfilling its mission and sustaining its legacy of excellence.

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A staff member wearing a black shirt scans tickets for two people dressed in masks and jackets at an entrance.

All persons and bags are subject to search. Bags that have passed inspection must fit comfortably under your seat. Oversized bags are prohibited.

No outside food or beverage. Accommodations are made for patrons with medical needs. Please email access@apollotheater.org or call the box office at (212) 531-5305 for assistance.

WEEKDAYS
10AM - 6PM
SATURDAY
12PM - 5PM
SUNDAY
Closed
*Tickets: Get tickets online through Ticketmaster.com or in person at both Box Office locations
*Group Sales: To book your group of 10 or more, contact group.sales@apollotheater.org
(212) 531-5305
The Apollo’s Historic Theater
253 W 125th St,
New York, NY 10027
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
233 W 125th St, Third Floor
New York, NY 10027
*Tickets: Get tickets online through Ticketmaster.com or in person at both Box Office locations
*Group Sales: To book your group of 10 or more, contact group.sales@apollotheater.org
WEEKDAYS
10AM - 6PM
SATURDAY
12PM - 5PM
SUNDAY
Closed

Accessibility

The Apollo is here for everyone. Artists, audiences, and all supporters should be able to experience The Apollo fully and in a way that is comfortable for them.

The Apollo has taken comprehensive steps to ensure that entrances, seating, restrooms, and more are as accessible and compliant as possible. Learn more about accessibility options and support services that might be right for you.

right arrow
A staff member wearing a black shirt scans tickets for two people dressed in masks and jackets at an entrance.

All persons and bags are subject to search. Bags that have passed inspection must fit comfortably under your seat. Oversized bags are prohibited.

No outside food or beverage. Accommodations are made for patrons with medical needs. Please email access@apollotheater.org or call the box office at (212) 531-5305 for assistance.