Lack History

A show about the history we lack and its propensity to be black!
Created and performed by Sam Kebede, Lack History is a comedy show where TED talk meets game show meets benefit. Sam weaves together humor, culture, and education into an evening filled with trivia, cash prizes, and some cold, hard facts. Plus, all earnings from the show will benefit one of several organizations and initiatives that promote social and racial justice. Join in for an evening of revelry, rivalry, and learning some goddam truths!
This show was originally developed through Ars Nova’s Comedy Artist Makers’ Program (CAMP). As an ever-evolving piece of theater, Lack History is an ongoing attempt to dispense as much information about the hidden parts of our collective history alongside as much comedy as possible. You’ll get games! You’ll get jokes! You’ll fundamentally shift the way you view the American education system! It’s gonna be great.
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ABOUT THE TEAM
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
Mahayla Laurence (they/she) is a multidisciplinary artist engaging in work that creates space for conversations around mental and spiritual health, joy, humor, stewardship, and community. Work has been seen at: Ars Nova, Clubbed Thumb, Radio City Music Hall, HBO, Pioneer Works, and Gimlet Media. NYU Tisch alum and recipient of the Beth Turner Award for Scholarship in the African Diaspora. Laurence co-founded CAMP at Ars Nova, which they currently facilitate while also pursuing an herbalism apprenticeship with Sacred Vibes Apothecary. www.mahaylalaurence.com