Zora Neale Hurston, Florida’s award-winning writer and folklorist, was associated with the Harlem Renaissance and was noted for her celebration of African American culture of the rural south. In 1925, she was the winner of three literary awards from Opportunity Magazine, including the drama award for Color Struck, a play that focuses on the effects of colorism on African Americans. The Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center presents the Florida premiere of the play in its original setting—St. Augustine!

Performances will be held in the Excelsior Room at the Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center located at 102 Martin Luther King Avenue on Friday, April 28, and Saturday, April 29 at 7:30 PM and on Sunday, April 30 from 2 PM. The Sunday performance will also feature a short, informal panel discussion featuring the actors and other panelists on the important topics presented in the play and their relevance today.

The production, directed by Deborah Dickey, will include actors and members of the community in St. Augustine to recreate the authentic atmosphere of the Cake Walk competition featured in Hurston’s play. With a dance born in controversy but later embraced by African American communities, Color Struck depicts a competition that attracted couples from across North Florida. The dance phenomenon swept the South before moving onto the world stage and was the first popular dance to cross the color barrier.

Parking is available in front of the museum and at the paved lot on Pomar Street with accessible entrances.

This production is being presented through the generous support of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Society and The George A. Smathers Libraries at the University of Florida.