Coconut Grove enthusiasts and artists came together to bring theater back to the Grove, launching with electrifying energy as the Coconut Grove Theatre Festival opened its inaugural season with the deeply moving production of Liberty City Vignettes — written by Lolita Stewart-White and directed by Hattie Mae Williams. Rehearsals for the production were graciously hosted by Elizabeth Boone, Artistic and Executive Director of Miami Light Project, whose support helped bring this important story to life.

The opening night performance drew a packed and emotionally charged audience, setting the tone for a festival rooted in culture, community, and truth. Told through a series of poetic vignettes, the play follows 14-year-old Liberty City Red and her neighborhood as they confront the threat of being removed from the Pork N Beans Public Housing Projects — a visceral exploration of redlining, displacement, and redevelopment in Miami’s historic Liberty Square.

The performance, rich in rhythm and poetic storytelling, resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom were visibly moved by the raw emotion and cultural authenticity on stage. The cast received a standing ovation, and the night was punctuated with post-show conversations about community resilience and the power of place and unity.

“This play is a rallying cry,” said festival organizers. “It reminds us that storytelling is a vital act of resistance, and Coconut Grove is once again a home for voices that matter.”

Liberty City Vignettes marks a triumphant beginning for the festival, honoring Miami’s Black history and spotlighting local talent through a production that is as timely as it is timeless.

The festival continues throughout the weekend with more performances and events. For full schedule and tickets, visit https://www.cgtfest.com/.

Festival Director William Hector welcoming guests

Jessica de Vreeze and Geraldine Guardia

Sherill Martin handing out the program

Ariel Cipolla discussing the plays with volunteers at the Women’s Club of Coconut Grove

From left to right: David Hepburn, Arsimmer McCoy, Evelaure Denis, Nikki Floyd, Deana Butler-Rahming, Randy Coleman, Brette-Raia Curah, Hattie Mae Willams, Irvans Augustin, Lolita Stewart-White

From left to right: Hattie Mae Williams, Elizabeth Boone, Lolita Stewart-White

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From the clinking of champagne glasses to the heartfelt speeches from local artists and supporters, the event was more than just a party—it was a declaration. A declaration that this community believes in the arts, in storytelling, and in reclaiming its rightful place as one of Miami’s cultural epicenters.

Theater has a long legacy in the Grove, but for too long that stage stood silent. Thanks to a groundswell of local sponsors, donors, and visionary leaders, the curtain is finally rising again.

MATCHMAKING WITH A MISSION

Just a few weeks later, on March 15, the festival hosted its highly anticipated Matchmaking Day—a creative “speed dating” session where 16 South Florida playwrights and directors met face-to-face to discover their artistic partners. The energy in the room was electric, filled with laughter, bold ideas, and the undeniable spark of new collaborations.

From this dynamic event, eight powerful teams were born—each poised to bring a fresh, local voice to the stage this May.

MEET THE MAN BEHIND THE MOVEMENT: WILLIAM HECTOR

At the heart of this revival is William Hector, Miami-born playwright, novelist, and producer. A true Grove native and University of Miami graduate, William blends intellect with imagination. His writing spans everything from ancient Greek myths to modern comedy and even Kipling backpacks.

He’s also no stranger to the stage. William was one of four playwrights chosen for the prestigious Miami-Dade County Playwright Development Program (2015–2017), and is the recipient of a Knight Foundation New Work Miami grant for his bold, immersive piece G7: 2070.

Now, as Festival Director of the inaugural Coconut Grove Theatre Festival, William is helping lead a renaissance—one where local voices shine, and community takes center stage.

“My writing,” William says with a smile, “should be like good web design: clean, to the point, and include at least one dog.”

COUNTDOWN TO CURTAIN: MAY 8–11, 2025

The inaugural Coconut Grove Theatre Festival takes place May 8–11, hosted at the historic @womansclubofcoconutgrove1891. The lineup features eight original staged readings, crafted by South Florida’s most compelling playwrights and brought to life by a stellar roster of directors and actors.

Festival Playwrights:

• Andie Arthur
• Hannah Benitez
• Vanessa Garcia
• William Hector
• Alejandro Rodríguez
• Lolita Stewart-White
• Brandon Urrutia
• Michael Yawney

Festival Directors:

• Melissa Almaguer
• Karina Batchelor-Gómez
• Amy Coker
• Victoria Collado
• Charisma Jolly
• Maha McCain
• Gladys Ramírez
• Hattie Mae Williams

Each pairing promises something unique—authentic Miami stories told by the very artists who live, work, and dream here.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

The festival isn’t just a celebration of theater. It’s a call to action for the community to rally behind the arts. Whether you’re a lifelong Grove resident or a first-time visitor, there’s a place for you in this story.

🎟️ Get Tickets: cgtfest.com/tickets
🙌 Volunteer: cgtfest.com/volunteer
💌 Donate: cgtfest.com/donate

Special promotion: Buy 8 tickets and get 1 FREE with promo code 8THFREE at checkout!

THE CURTAIN RISES

As the countdown continues, excitement is building across the city. Thanks to community champions like the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove Arts and Culture Subcommittee, generous sponsors, and the unstoppable drive of the festival team, the stage is set for a new era of storytelling in the Grove.

So mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready to witness history in the making. Because this May, theater comes home.

See you at the festival. 🎭

The post Bringing Theater Back Home: A Milestone Dream Realized appeared first on Coconut Grove Magazine.