DC Premiere of Apollo Theater Documentary on June 25 at 7 p.m.
Press Release · Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Washington, DC

On Tuesday, June 25, at 7 p.m., we present the DC premiere of the HBO documentary The Apollo, that chronicles the unique history and contemporary legacy of New York City’s landmark Apollo Theater.  Following the screening, American political analyst and television commentator Jamal Simmons will moderate a discussion with producer Lisa Cortes, Apollo Theater executive producer Kamilah Forbes, and theater historian Billy Mitchell.  Presented in partnership with the March on Washington Film Festival and HBO.  

The program is free and open to the public and will be held in the William G. McGowan Theater of the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC.   Attendees should use the Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue at 7th Street, NW.  Metro accessible on the Yellow and Green lines, Archives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter station.  This event is now full and we are not accepting reservations.

The Apollo incorporates archival footage and contemporary interviews to contextualize the historic theater’s past and examine the state of race in America.  The documentary weaves together archival footage, music, comedy and dance performances, and behind-the-scenes verité with the team that makes the theater run. The Apollo features interviews with artists including Patti LaBelle, Pharrell Williams, Smokey Robinson, and Jamie Foxx.

The Apollo Theater is internationally renowned for its continuing influence on American and pop culture. The space has created opportunities for new talent to be seen and has served as a launchpad for a myriad of artists including Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, Luther Vandross, Dave Chappelle, Lauryn Hill, Jimi Hendrix, and more.