New Heritage Theatre Group Marks 60th Year With Daniel Koa Beaty’s ‘Love Warrior’ Premiere

The New Heritage Theatre Group, the oldest non-profit Black theater company in New York State, proudly celebrates its 60th anniversary.

The anniversary will be celerbated with a series of landmark events through the remainder of 2024 and into the first quarter of 2025. As part of this momentous milestone, the theater company is thrilled to present Love Warrior, a compelling one-man show performed by acclaimed writer, performer, and Creative Producer of New Heritage Theatre Group, Daniel Koa Beaty.

On Friday, September 20, at 7PM, Love Warrior will take center stage at The Sanctuary located inside of First Corinthian Baptist Church, 1912 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., Harlem, NY. As Harlem’s premier arts and events space, 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. 

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.

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. — Daniel Koa Beaty

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• Westchester: Navigating Childhood Cancer, Gaining Strength Through Family, Self, And Your Child
• Harlem’s Shining Star: Michaela DePrince’s Extraordinary Journey Ends Too Soon (Video)

Love Warrior also features excerpts from Koa’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. Admission for this transformative evening of inspiration are available for purchase online by clicking here. In keeping with New Heritage Theatre Group’s commitment to the community, special-rate tickets are available to ensure accessibility for all.

Daniel Koa Beaty is the Paul Robeson of this generation – 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 9 of his works. 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. — Voza Rivers, Executive Producer, New Heritage Theatre Group

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. 

New Heritage Theatre Group 

New Heritage Theatre Group is the oldest Black non-profit theater company in New York State. We 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. Our mission, to preserve and sustain classic works of Black theatre. NewHeritageTheatreGroup.org

Photo credit: Heritage Theatre Group.