Story perspectives

Broadway Welcomes 'School Girls' and 'The Unbelievers' in 2026

3/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Broadway premiere of School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play begins September 8, 2026, at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
Written by Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Whitney White, it follows Ghanaian boarding students in a 1986 beauty pageant.
Manhattan Theatre Club announced an Off Broadway production of The Unbelievers, beginning October 13, 2026, and both shows are part of the 2026-27 season under new artistic director Nicki Hunter.

History

Historical Context

In 1986, Ghana hosted its inaugural national beauty pageant, reflecting the nation's cultural evolution following independence in 1957. Contestants like Akosua Puni embodied shifting ideals of beauty and identity during a period of recovery from colonial rule. This historical backdrop informs the upcoming Broadway premiere of "School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play," which explores similar themes of representation and cultural identity among Ghanaian students.

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Story summary

The Broadway premiere of School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play begins September 8, 2026, at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
Written by Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Whitney White, it follows Ghanaian boarding students in a 1986 beauty pageant.
Manhattan Theatre Club announced an Off Broadway production of The Unbelievers, beginning October 13, 2026, and both shows are part of the 2026-27 season under new artistic director Nicki Hunter.

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