Horizons Memorial (Play)

Tickets are now on sale for the premiere of Horizons Memorial, a new play written by award-winning playwright Samm-Art Williams. The opening night premiere performance is March 22 at the Arts Council Theater. Additional performances are on March 23 - 24. The play is presented by the North Carolina Black Repertory Company (NCBRC), and is being directed by Broadway veteran Mabel Robinson. Robinson, a Tony Award nominee and Broadway veteran, is an internationally known actress, choreographer and director.

The play focuses on the history of the property in Northern Forsyth Country that presently houses the Horizons Residential Care Center for people with severe physical and developmental disabilities. The site was originally an orphanage for African American children that opened in the early 1900’s, and was active until 1972, when Horizons assumed control of the property.

The Board of Directors for Horizons and the North Carolina Black Repertory commissioned Williams to write this play to commemorate Horizons' 40th Anniversary. Williams is originally from Burgaw, N.C., and has a long resume featuring acting roles and producing TV shows and Broadway plays.

“There is tremendous historical significance of the property, not only to the African American community, but the entire community,” said David Adams, Horizons’ Chief Executive Officer. “The site was originally named the Memorial Industrial School, but it was also known as the Colored Baptist Orphanage. Several generations of children were raised and educated on the site until 1972, when it closed and the property was transferred to Horizons.”

The play highlights the historical significance of the property through the eyes of the children who lived there as orphans and through the eyes of employees who work there now caring for children who have little understanding of their surroundings.



North Carolina Black Repertory Company 610 Coliseum Drive , Winston-Salem NC 27106

Remaining Dates

Friday, March 22nd -

8:00 pm-9:15 pm

Saturday, March 23rd -

3:00 pm-4:15 pm

Saturday, March 23rd -

8:00 pm-9:15 pm

Sunday, March 24th -

3:00 pm-4:15 pm