NEW YORK: Harlem9, Harlem Stage, and the Lucille Lortel Theatre have announced “Consequences,” a collaborative writers’ development and digital programming series for BIPOC artists and creators. Previously commissioned works will premiere at the end of January, while submissions for the next series are due in early February.

“In an unprecedented time in our country, three performing arts institutions have come together to empower BIPOC creatives to help reflect the nation we see unfolding in front of us,” the three co-producing theatres said in a statement. “Through newly commissioned, original works showcased in an accessible digital programming series, this inaugural collaboration will provide a storytelling platform for BIPOC artists whose work continues to be sorely undervalued—and underrepresented—in the arts.”

The first piece in the series, York Walker’s Asé, will premiere on Mon., Jan. 25. Asé follows colleagues who must attend a racial sensitivity training during the 2020 election season. Walker, a Harlem-based writer, is currently an artist in residence at the Vineyard Theatre, and is a member of Marcus Gardley’s New Wave Writers’ Workshop. 

Applications for original digital works are due Mon., Feb. 8. Selected writers will work with an assigned member of the Harlem9 team, and will receive a commissioning fee. More information is available on the Lucille Lortel website. 

“Whether online, on the stage, or through other artistic mediums, we will continue to honor our organizations’ founding missions to create opportunities to elevate the voices that must be heard, champion the stories that must be told, and serve diverse audiences,” the three theatres said.