8 empowering events to check out in February

From film screenings to fancy fraternity footwork, there are plenty of opportunities to engage with Black history, global culture and diverse voices in the arts and tech this month. Here’s your guide to all that’s in store.

For more things to do in February, check out Pitt’s event calendar.

See a Shakespeare classic set in Harlem

Feb. 1-19, various times

Classic comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is retold by Justin Emeka, resident director for Pittsburgh Public Theater (PPT). Of the production, PPT writes that Emeka “draws upon the art and music of the Harlem Renaissance to inject Shakespeare’s beloved story with new life and humor, contemporary fashions and ancient rituals.” Attendees can expect a celebration of Black culture and influences from around the globe.

Where: O’Reilly Theater, 621 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15222

Tickets: $32-$80

Step out with Step Afrika!

Wednesday, Feb. 1, 7 p.m.

Black fraternities and sororities in the U.S. have historically practiced stepping, a polyrhythmic dance form that uses the body as a percussion instrument. Step Afrika! — the first professional company dedicated to the tradition — is lauded by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust as one of the “top 10 African American dance companies in the world” for productions that expand on and blend step’s American history with other global influences.

Where: Byham Theater, 101 6th St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15222

Tickets: $31-$40. Contact customer service to schedule or request more information for wheelchair seating or assistive listening.

Hack into in tech during She Innovates 2023

Feb. 3­-5, various times

Pitt’s women’s hackathon welcomes all students, regardless of year or major, to engage in a weekend of creativity, programming and creation. The event will also feature discussions with leaders from industry and academia on a range of topics, such as being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, empowerment and leadership.

Where: Alumni Hall, Connolly Ballroom, 4227 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15260

Tickets: This is an unticketed event, but registration is required.

Reimagine “The Nutcracker”

Saturday, Feb. 4, 3 and 6 p.m.

Pittsburgh will see its first-ever iteration of the timeless tale “The Nutcracker” reenvisioned with an all-Black cast of youths and adults. “The Chocolate Nutcracker,” is a contemporary celebration of the African diaspora supported by New Sun Rising, an organization that promotes equitable community development, the PA Council for the Arts and the Heinz Endowments Small Arts Initiative.

Where: The Pittsburgh Project, 2801 N. Charles St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15214

Tickets: $15-$20

Must-see film screenings

“Ikiru”

Saturday, Feb. 4, 2 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents a big screen showing of the legendary Japanese filmmaker and painter Akira Kurosawa’s film, “Ikiru,” which inspired the remake “Living,” released in 2022 and starring award-winning actor Bill Nighy.

Where: Harris Theater, 809 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15222

Tickets: $11

“The Battle of Algiers”

Wednesday, Feb. 8, 6:30-8 p.m.

Pitt’s University Center for International Studies (UCIS) kicks off its Race, Rebellion and Global Solidarity film series with a screening of “The Battle of Algiers,” a 1966 Italian-Algerian war film inspired by Roberto Rossellini, the father of neorealist cinema. UCIS describes the piece as one of the most extraordinary films ever made for its “brutally candid exposé of the French colonial mindset” and depiction of the Algerian people’s anti-colonial struggle.

Where: Frick Fine Arts Auditorium, 650 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260

Tickets: This is an unticketed event.

Watch a Pitt performance of August Wilson’s “Seven Guitars”

Feb. 17-19 and 21-26, various times

Pitt’s Department of Theatre Arts describes Hill District native and Pulitzer prize-winning playwright August Wilson’s “Seven Guitars” as part bawdy comedy, part dark elegy and part mystery. Wilson wrote 10 plays that explore and depict the Black experience in America. “Seven Guitars” is sixth in the lineup and spotlights a blues guitarist and singer who died as his career was beginning.

Where: Charity Randall Theatre, 4301 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Tickets: $15 for students and $25 for regular admission

Hear Black voices at an open mic night

Thursday, Feb. 23, 8:30-10 p.m.

Pitt's Center for Creativity and Center for African American Poetry and Poetics are teaming up to celebrate Black experiences, joy and resistance with an open mic night. The stage is open to Pitt students, faculty and staff; all community members are also invited to attend. Arrive at 8:15 p.m. to sign up for a performance spot — songs, poetry and skits are welcome. Snacks will be provided.

Where: Cathedral of Learning, The Understory (B-50), 4200 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15260

Tickets: This is an unticketed event, but registration is required.

— Kara Henderson, photography by Tom Altany