Vision Films and Egeli Productions are proud to present the incredible story of Charles Gilpin in The Black Emperor of Broadway. Directed by Arthur Egeli and starring Shaun Parkes, John Hensley, Liza Weil, Nick Moran and Nija Okoro. Available on VOD Sept. 15 and DVD Oct. 6, 2020.
When celebrated playwright Eugene O’Neill cast Charles Gilpin as the lead in his new play “The Emperor Jones” in 1920, Broadway was changed forever.
Vision Films and Egeli Productions are proud to present the incredible story of Charles Gilpin in The Black Emperor of Broadway. Directed by Arthur Egeli (Murder on the Cape) and starring Shaun Parkes (Lost in Space, The Mummy Returns), John Hensley (How To Get Away With Murder, Nip-Tuck), Liza Weil (Gilmore Girls, How To Get Away With Murder), Nick Moran (Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1 & 2, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Nija Okoro (Insecure, The Deuce), this stunning and timely film not only celebrates the career of one of the most celebrated stage actors of the 1920s, but also the history of African-American excellence in theatre.
Following a successful festival run that included Greenwich International Film Festival, Brooklyn International Film Festival, Macon Film Festival, Harlem International Film Festival and Kansas City Film Festival (where it won Best Narrative Feature), The Black Emperor of Broadway will be available on Sept. 15, 2020 on digital from platforms including iTunes, Vudu, Google Play, Xbox, Amazon, and FandangoNow, as well as cable affiliates everywhere, and Oct. 6, 2020 on DVD from all major online retailers.
Based on a true story, Charles S. Gilpin (Shaun Parkes) was the first African-American dramatic star in a lead role in a stage play during a time where roles of color were previously played by white men in blackface. As Gilpin rose to fame and recognition, tensions were high between him and playwright Eugene O’Neill (John Hensley), which ultimately lead to parting ways, though Gilpin’s name is etched in Broadway history forever.
“I grew up learning to revere and honor Eugene O’Neill as the father of American Theater – until I learned about Charles Gilpin,” says director, Arthur Egeli. “The talent of Charles Gilpin made Eugene O’Neill a household name. Why have we forgotten him?”
“The Black Emperor of Broadway shines a light on the relatively unknown story of Gilpin, an actor who should be celebrated for breaking down racial barriers on the stage,” says Vision Films CEO/ Managing Director, Lise Romanoff. “This film puts the man who changed Broadway history into the spotlight he deserves.”
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
