FOLKS

FOLKS is a powerful one-man theatrical experience that blends African and African American folklore, music, and storytelling into an unforgettable night of theatre. Guided by a modern-day Griot, the audience is taken on a soul-stirring journey through the lives of legendary figures like John Henry, Anansi the Spider, High John the Conqueror, and Stagolee, characters who have long carried the wisdom, resistance, and imagination of Black storytelling traditions on the “Underground Railroad.”

Through dynamic performance, poetry, humor, and song, the Griot weaves together tales of struggle, resilience, love, and liberation. Each story reveals how folklore has helped generations of Black communities survive oppression, preserve culture, and imagine freedom.

At the heart of FOLKS is a deeply personal story of loss, love, and legacy that reminds us why stories matter, and why they must be carried forward.

Part concert, part ritual, part theatrical event, FOLKS invites audiences to laugh, reflect, and remember together.

Come ready to listen.
Come ready to feel.
Come ready to meet the folks who carried the fire before us.

Created as part of the Flanner Fringe Lab, in partnership with IF Theatre and the Flanner House Arts Stage Academy.

About Grand Griot Productions

Grand Griot Productions is a professional Afrocentric theatre production company dedicated to curating and showcasing culturally rich, inclusive, and transformative theatrical experiences. Our mission is to celebrate African heritage, amplify underrepresented voices, and foster cross-cultural understanding through the power of storytelling and performance arts. We aim to create a sustainable business model that not only generates revenue but also contributes to the cultural and social fabric of our community.

Our company’s unique approach to theatre, which combines traditional African storytelling techniques with contemporary performance art is a marvel to behold, we have chosen the hard work to honor our ancestral roots and interweave new age practices that makes theatre more than entertainment, but life giving and empowering. Our management team comprises seasoned professionals with extensive experience in theatre production, cultural curation, and business management. Our goals include establishing Grand Griot Productions as a leading name in Afrocentric theatre, expanding our audience base, and securing long-term financial sustainability through diverse revenue streams.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from Jun 12, 2026 to Jun 28, 2026 and happens every:
Fridays: 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Saturdays: 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Sundays: 3:00pm – 4:30pm