By Quentin Talley, OnQ Productions Recently, OnQ wrapped up its first production of the season, For The Love of Harlem, to rave reviews from audiences and critics alike. This original musical, written by Jermaine Nakia Lee with musical direction by Tyrone Jefferson & A Sign of The Times of the Carolinas, looked at the lives of some of the influential artists of the Harlem Renaissance and fulfilled one of three parts of our mission: to produce original work about the black experience. The process of putting together an original is no small feat, but it is imperative to evolving the black theater canon. Like the black artists of the Harlem Renaissance, our theater company is dedicated to bringing unapologetic, authentic black theater to the Charlotte region.

To be honest, around June we didn’t know if this season would happen and what the fate of our theater company would be. We were taking our time getting back on track after ending up in the red around this time two years ago. Across the nation, arts funding is being cut left and right, corporate giving has dwindled and ticket sales have decreased (of course, these are all the things that non-profit theater companies traditionally survive on). Theater is not a one-man show and just as it takes an artistic village to create a production, on the business side it also takes a village of donors and supporters to fund the creation. Fortunately, Knight Foundation had faith in our work as a company and our current and potential impact on the Charlotte cultural scene. Without the Foundation’s generosity and commitment to the arts, I’m uncertain about whether OnQ could have weathered a sixth season.

Though the road is still rocky, OnQ has a far clearer path to traverse this year. Our board, staff and ensemble of theater professionals are thankful that Knight Foundation’s financial support has cleared away obstacles that in the past thwarted our progress. Other such organizations, providing much-needed support, include the Arts & Science Council, Blumenthal Performing Arts and Johnson C. Smith University. These institutions share our interests, are deeply rooted in Charlotte and thus are helping OnQ navigate its journey as a rising purveyor of culture and theater arts.

Art is a vital part of my life. Like breathing is to living, I don’t know what I would do without it. I believe art can change lives and help society air issues ordinarily kept sequestered. As a black American, I find the latter rings particularly true. Black theater introduces a perspective that stirs uncommon dialogue before, during and after the show. It brings a smile to my face every time audience members say that they did some more research (on whatever topic OnQ has presented) after seeing one of our shows. That to me is what theater does. It makes us all, artists and audiences alike, dig deeper and when presented with authenticity open our eyes even wider to glimpse a different perspective.

As our journey continues, the holiday season is quickly approaching and it’s time for another OnQ original—a new holiday tradition for the Charlotte community, A Soulful Noel. This tapestry of music, dance and spoken word is fun for the entire family and expands our work as an ensemble of creative minds, devoted to theater. ‘Tis the season to celebrate and for OnQ’s 6^th Season, we shall continue to present works with passion, verve and soul.