Kresge Artists Fellows return with 2nd Bi-Annual BRED Hip-Hop Theatre Festival

Detroit, MI – August 3, 2026 — Hip-hop and theatre collide at the BRED Hip-Hop Theatre Festival taking place August 28-30 at the Hilberry Gateway at Wayne State University. The festival, now 3 days, celebrates hip-hop narratives and culture in a weekend packed with live theatre and hip-hop performances. The cornerstone of the Festival, 16 BARS, debuts brand new one-act plays by Detroit playwrights and lyricists. This year’s 16 BARS playwrights include: Goldie Patrick, Quest MCODY, Maleek Rae, Izaya Spencer and Mahogany Jones.

For a second season, Kresge Award-winning playwright Shawntai Brown serves as the coordinator of 16 BARS, the new work development aspect of the Festival. Learn more about 16 BARS here. 

Directors for this year’s Festival include an exciting roster of directorial talent including Yolanda Jack, Jesse Boyd-Williams, Naiem Bouier, Liv Morris, and Janai Lashon. The actor company consists of professional artists from Detroit and surrounding areas.

Friday, August 28

The Festival opens with ACT N’ OUT, a hip-hop improv and networking event. During ACT N’ OUT, teams will compete in various improv challenges with a hip-hop twist for one to be named the champion. A networking afterparty will take place at The Griot.

Saturday, August 29

Families are invited to join from 11 AM to 2 PM on Saturday, August 29, during HIP-HOP FAMILY HOURS, a free event sponsored by Baba Juke within the Festival which includes an all-age appropriate hip-hop play written and directed by Devon Redmond, hip-hop dance workshops led by award-winning dancer, Haleem “Rasul” Stringz and hands-on activities in the lobby and virtual-reality experiences, presented by Human I-T. An opening matinee of 16 BARS begins at 2 PM with recurring performance at 7:30 PM. Following the Saturday evening performance of 16 Bars is THE AFTER PARTY, featuring performances by Beats Rhymes Everything Detroit and Asaka the Renegade as the headlining act.

Sunday, August 30

16 BARS plays begin at 3 PM on Sunday, August 30. The play will be followed by a talkback with hip-hop scholars and playwrights who participated in the festival.

The 2026 BRED Hip-Hop Theatre Festival is presented with support from the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance and Baba Juke, sponsor of HIP-HOP FAMILY HOURS.

For tickets and more information, visit www.hiphoptheatrefest.com.

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