Bishop Arts Theatre Center (BATC), in collaboration with The Writer’s Garret, announced its 2026 Banned Books Festival, a theatrical event inspired by So You Want to Talk About Race. The festival is based on the #1 New York Times bestselling book by author and activist Ijeoma Oluo. Directed by Charles Jackson Jr., the production runs Feb. 19 through Mar. 8 . Organizers say the festival blends literature, performance, and dialogue to confront race, equity, and justice in America.
A featured highlight takes place Saturday, Feb. 28, when Ijeoma Oluo will attend the performance. Following the show, she will participate in a post-show talkback and book signing. Audience members will have the opportunity to engage directly with the author. Her work has played a major role in shaping national conversations around race and systemic inequality.
BATC and The Writer’s Garret selected six local playwrights through an open submission process. So, each playwright created an original short work responding to themes in Oluo’s book. The commissioned plays include Playing Pretend by Erin Malone Turner, One Last Night by De’Aveyon, and One Person Can Make a Difference by Linda Boroughs. Additional works include Casting Call by Claire Fountain, Lake Caspari by Tayla Underwood, and Showing Up Isn’t Easy by Brandon Jackson.
Together, the six plays explore race, identity, and social justice from multiple perspectives. Some stories use humor, while others lean into raw vulnerability. All aim to encourage honesty and reflection. Festival organizers say the goal is to bring urgent ideas to the stage in ways that feel accessible and immediate.
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BATC Executive Artistic Director and Founder Teresa Coleman Wash said the festival honors challenging ideas. She noted that banned books often disrupt systems of power. Then, Wash added that the event amplifies bold voices and creates space for necessary conversations. The festival aligns with BATC’s mission to use theatre as a tool for awareness and social change.
Aaron Glover, Executive Director of The Writer’s Garret, emphasized Oluo’s impact. He said hearing directly from the author creates meaningful opportunities for dialogue. Glover added that community engagement remains central to the organization’s work. Both partners view the festival as a catalyst for connection and understanding.
Performances run Thursday through Sunday at Bishop Arts Theatre Center. Preview night begins Thursdays at 7 p.m. Friday performances are also at 7 p.m., while Saturday and Sunday shows begin at 4 p.m. Tickets are available online and through the box office.
Finally, the 2026 Banned Books Festival is supported by The Addy Foundation. Bishop Arts Theatre Center is located at 215 South Tyler Street in Dallas. Additional details are available through BATC’s official website.
A list of New York Time’s Best Sellers are here.