Black Bastard by Jon Gentry

The City of West Hollywood’s 2026 WeHo Pride Arts Festival presents

Black Bastard

Written & Performed by Jon Gentry

Directed by Shinelle Azoroh

Featuring music by Diamond Stylz

Click here to RSVP!

From Reading Rainbow to Reading the House Down, BLACK BASTARD transports audiences to 1990s Houston through character transformation, music, and personal history in a humorous, heartfelt coming-of-age tale.

Queer. Millenial. Creole. BLACK BASTARD transports audiences to 1990s Houston in a humorous, heartfelt coming-of-age tale. An inquisitive Black boy develops a love for literature until his family fractures, thrusting him into the role of “man of the house.” When a bully confronts him at school, he begins to search for his absent father, but is he ready for what he may find? Vividly portraying more than 15 characters, writer/performer Jon Gentry explores themes of masculinity and self-actualization through artful techniques, nostalgic references, and original music. The piece questions whether we are all “bastards” on a quest for selfhood and a place to call home.

“A must-see for anyone seeking a heartfelt, thought-provoking theatrical experience.” – LA Theatrix

Runtime:

75 minutes, no intermission

 Suitability Suggestions:

13+ (for strong language, loss of a parent, suicidal ideation), no late seating!

This program is part of the City of West Hollywood’s free 2026 WeHo Pride Arts Festival, 2 full days of FREE LGBTQ+ art, theatre, drag, music, and crafts taking place May 23-24.

 ***WINNER*** 2025 Pride of Lavender Award Winner — Out Front Theatre

 ***2025 PlayGround Solo Performance Festival Official Selection***

 ***2025 Best of Whitefire Solofest***

 ***WINNER*** 2024 Soaring Solo Social Impact Award – Hollywood Fringe Festival

***WINNER*** 2024 Best of Asylum Award – Hollywood Fringe Festival

***WINNER*** 2024 Best of PlayGroud Free-Play Festival