You're warmly invited to a special one-night showcase of Act 1 of Black Angel — a powerful new play inspired by the life of Otto Sampson Sr., a Black American WWII hero whose courage is documented by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.
Set against the backdrop of Jim Crow South Carolina and the horrors of World War II, Black Angel traces one man’s journey through trauma, injustice, and ultimately, redemption — illuminating the strength of the human spirit in the face of oppression.
📅 Saturday, September 20th
🕠 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
📍 The Ice House | 56 River Street, Bethlehem, PA
🌟 Evening Schedule:
🎶 6:00–6:15 PM — Reception and refreshments
🎭 6:15–6:45 PM — Act One Reading of Black Angel
☕ Immediately following the reading, enjoy a short break with refreshments, then join our talkback with the Creators.
Stick around for a powerful post-show conversation with playwright Francine Gold and Rasheeda Sampson-Jefferson, daughter of Otto Sampson Sr., as they reflect on the history, humanity, and legacy behind the play.
Playwright Francine Gold is a 1st born American, and the descendent of victims and survivors of
the Holocaust. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education, and an undergraduate Degree in
Theatre Arts. She has won numerous awards and most recently was honored in 2020 with the
Secretary of The Smithsonian and founding director of the National Museum of African
American History in Washington D.C. as the inaugural recipients of the David McCullough Prize
for Excellence in Public History. Prior to twenty years in public education, Ms. Gold's theater
background includes Co-founding The Healing Theatre, Inc., directing and writing children's
theater, and artist in residencies. She is currently working on a theatrical satire, literary memoir
and literacy thru history educational book. Francine is good friends with Rasheeda
Sampson-Jefferson.
💬 Why Attend?
🎭 Witness raw, original art from local voices
🎶 Be moved by live music that sets the tone
🗣️ Engage in a meaningful, real-world discussion
🆓 Free admission (donations welcome)
🪑 Seating is limited – early arrival recommended!
Presented by Basement Poetry
Raw. Original. Art.
📩 Questions? Email us at