‘Love Warrior’ takes center stage at The Sanctuary this Friday

The New Heritage Theatre Group (NHTG), the oldest non-profit Black theater company in New York State, celebrates its 60th anniversary with a series of landmark events through the remainder of 2024 and into the first quarter of 2025, with “Love Warrior” taking center stage this Friday at The Sanctuary, First Corinthian Baptist Church, 1912 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., New York, NY.

NHTG said on Monday that “Love Warrior” is a compelling one-man show performed by acclaimed writer, performer and Creative Producer Daniel Koa Beaty.

As Harlem’s premier arts and events space, NHTG said The Sanctuary is dedicated to making the arts accessible to all, offering a rich history and a commitment to diverse theatrical, musical and visual arts.

“With its 1,400-seat performance hall, it provides the perfect setting for this powerful and impactful production,” NHTG said. “’Love Warrior’ delves deep into the human spirit’s ability to transform profound trauma into boundless joy.

“Through a blend of intimate storytelling, evocative poetry, dynamic song and dance, and multi-character portrayals, Koa takes the audience on a deeply personal journey, including a poignant visit to the plantation where his great-great-grandmother was enslaved, culminating in his enstooling as a King in Ghana,” it added.

Beaty said: As a human race, we are facing so many urgent issues that are stressing us out, dividing and challenging us. My goal with love warrior is simple, to encourage hope and joy, and to celebrate the power of the human spirit to overcome seemingly impossible odds through the power of love.

“Love Warrior” also features excerpts from Beaty’s critically acclaimed works, including Emergence-See/Emergency, Through the Night, and The Tallest Tree: Paul Robeson, showcasing the breadth and depth of his artistry.

“Daniel Koa Beaty is the Paul Robeson of this generation,” said NHTG Executive Producer Voza Rivers. “This is how I was first introduced to this extraordinary artist by the legendary Ruby Dee & Ossie Davis.

“Over the last 20 years, I have been honored to produce nine of his works,” Rivers added. “’Love Warrior’ is a thrilling performance with an urgent message for this time. You will leave uplifted and inspired. After 60 years with new heritage, I have found a partner with comparable strengths and vision.

“This event is set to deliver a dynamic exploration of resilience, transformation, and the powerful impact of storytelling theater, all while honoring the remarkable 60-year legacy of the New Heritage Theatre Group,” Rivers continued.

NHTG originated in 1964 under the name New Heritage Repertory Theatre by the late Roger Furman, a revered playwright, director, actor and lecturer, who began his career in the 1940s with the American Negro Theatre in Harlem.

NHTG said its mission is “to preserve and sustain classic works of Black theatre.”