A show about the history we lack and its propensity to be Black! Lack History, hosted by Sam Kebede, is a one of a kind comedy show that’s a mash up of TED talk, game show, and charity benefit. Audience members play games and trivia to win real money - not for themselves, but for one of several organizations working towards social change, handpicked for our special Black History Month show. Expect a night filled with culture, surprises, and plenty of "how did I not know that??" moments. This is more than just a show – it's an opportunity to learn about Black and Brown histories that have been systematically erased and to raise money for organizations who are working to strengthen and support BIPOC communities across the globe. So come join us for an evening where you'll do good while having a good time! Lack History is an evolving piece of theater and and ongoing effort to make visible the suppressed parts of our collective history. This project was originally developed through Ars Nova’s Comedy Artist Makers’ Program (CAMP) and is currently being further developed for intergenerational audiences with the New Victory LabWorks Fellowship. Head to www.lackhistory.com to learn more about the show and keep up to date on future events! CREATOR & PERFORMER: Sam Kebede (he/him) is obsessed with history and the things we aren’t told. He’s got a mind palace of facts that will unravel the way you think about what you think. Kebede is a first-generation Ethiopian/Eritrean American from southern California. Though he used to be a neuroscientist, he now is an actor/playwright/comedian. TV/Film: Venice International Film Festival, Blue Bloods, New Amsterdam, Full Frontal w/ Samantha Bee, HBO UrbanFilmFest. Theater: The Public, Ars Nova, IRT Theater, Chicago Shakes, B Street Theater, Adirondack Theater Festival. As a writer, he has helped create plays at The Public’s DTWG, Ars Nova’s ANT Fest, and had a full production at Victory Garden Theater in Chicago. And as a comedian, he performs all over whether it be a five-minute set at a small bar, or his longer hour-long set titled I’m Ostracized because I’m Ostrich-Sized at venues such as The PIT in NYC or Upstairs at The B in Sacramento. University of Connecticut: MFA Acting, Duke University: BS Neuroscience, BA Theater Studies, Minor Biology. www.samkebede.com PRODUCER & DIRECTOR: Mahayla Laurence (they/she) is Black, queer, multidisciplinary artist engaging in work that generates personal inquiry around self-expression, spiritual health, and stewardship of community and environment. Mahayla co-founded and currently facilitates CAMP at Ars Nova, a nine-month residency for emerging comedians and storytellers pursuing long-form comedic theater. They also facilitate the Engaging Artists Fellowship at More Art, a year-long residency for artists seeking to develop and sustain a socially engaged, public art practice. Additionally, Mahayla writes and performs for Story Pirates, winner of both the iHeartRadio Award (2020 & 2022), the Webby Award (2021 & 2022), and the Signal Award (2022) for Best Kids and Family Podcast. Mahayla graduated from NYU where they received their BFA in Drama and was awarded the Beth Turner Award for Scholarship in the African Diaspora. Outside of the arts industry, Mahayla is also a certified breathwork practitioner and a Level 2 Apprentice with Master Herbalist Empress Karen Rose at the Sacred Vibes Apothecary. www.mahaylalaurence.com. MARKETING DIRECTOR Rachel Horwitz (she/her) is a performer, writer, producer, and director based in New York City. She always carries her BFA in Dramatic Writing from Tisch School of the Arts with her so that when you inevitably ask about her time at NYU, she can tell you her favorite memories of four years writing and performing with Hammerkatz. Since then, she has performed in shows at UCB, The PIT, The Secret Theatre, and The Tank, and has directed and produced shows that have gone up at the Wild Project, The Brick, PAGEANT, The Loading Dock, The Green Room 42, Dixon Place, and The Tank. She’s worked with the New York Neo-Futurists, Telsey + Company, and Soho Rep. She currently performs with Lisa Comedy and Story Pirates, and if you hand her a bagel, she will eat the bagel, no questions asked. www.notrachelhorwitz.com.

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212-228-2100