The Fire This Time Festival
Six Plays written by Brittany Fisher; FELISPEAKS; Jeanette W. Hill; D.L. Patrick; TyLie Shider; and Garrett Turner; Directed by Kimille Howard
wild project at 195 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10009
January 23 - February 2
Photos by Dante Chrichlow
It’s been a while since I last visited the wild project, and stepping into the space reminded me why I love it. This venue is a true embodiment of old-school indie theatre—alive and kicking in Loisaida, also known as Alphabet City. The neighborhood has changed over the years, but the grittiness and rich history of its artistic roots still linger beneath the gentrification.
From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in for something special. The music set the tone, the chatter of the audience created an inviting ambiance, and a bare stage with just a single bench beckoned us to focus. There’s something magical about a space that trusts its audience to lean in, to listen, and to feel.
The festival, supported by notable members of the theatre community and organizations dedicated to funding the arts, opened with a powerful theme: "Taking Space." And that’s exactly what this collection of one-act plays did—it took space unapologetically. At its core, Producing Artistic Director, Cezar Williams said that this was “a love letter to Blackness, especially Black women”, and it delivered in every way.
One-act festivals often come with a sense of disjointedness, but this collection was different. Each play stood as a powerful standalone piece, yet the overall design and thoughtful transitions wove them together seamlessly. The musical interludes covering set changes—something that might typically disrupt the momentum—were instead beautifully choreographed, adding to the experience rather than taking away from it. The actors, who doubled as the singers in this phenomenal ensemble, brought the show to life in a way that felt effortless and deeply intentional.
Under the brilliant direction of Kimille Howard , the ensemble cast—LaDonna Burns, Danté Jeanfelix, Rebecca L. Hargrove, Anita Welch-Smith, and William Watkins—showcased their incredible range, effortlessly transitioning between acting and singing. Their performances were precise, heartfelt, and full of nuance, making each character and story resonate deeply.
The direction honored each individual piece while respecting the connective tissue that ran through them all. Lighting, projections, and design elements weren’t just decorative; they pulled us deeper into the world of each story, making the experience immersive and resonant.
Each one-act struck a chord, played an emotion, and provided a catharsis that left me profoundly moved. The plays explored survival within systems—systemic racism, classism, political structures, and personal battles. How do we thrive within systems that seem designed to break us down? These stories didn’t necessarily provide answers, but they held space for the questions in a way that felt both urgent and necessary.
The lineup included:
OUT by Felispeaks – A heartfelt exploration of queerness and identity between a Nigerian mother and her daughter.
Pound Cake by Brittany Fisher – A compelling look at whether removing the memories of trauma is truly healing.
Security Watch by TyLie Shider – A poignant piece about moving on from a relationship when the wounds are still fresh.
Immanentize the Eschaton by Garrett Turner – A powerful examination of systemic oppression and the fight to survive within it.
Just One Good Day by Jeanette W. Hill – A touching story of caregiving and the complexities of love and memory.
…But Not Forgotten by D.L. Patrick – A devastating portrayal of grief and the systemic neglect of missing Black women through timelapses.
The last two plays, performed after a brief intermission, left me an emotional wreck. I always say theatre is my church, and that night, I needed to be in prayer with these phenomenal artists.
This festival wasn’t just a series of performances; it was a necessary experience. Stories like these need to continue to be told—because storytelling is resistance, healing, and hope.
Click HERE for tickets.
Reviewed by Malini Singh McDonald.
Published by Theatre Beyond Broadway on January 24th, 2025. All rights reserved.