The Ensemble Theatre continues its 49th Season with the adaptation of Toni Morrison’s novel ‘The Bluest Eye.’ Originally authored by Nobel Prize (1993) and Pulitzer Prize (1987) Award-Winning Author Toni Morrison in 1970, “The Bluest Eye” was adapted by Lydia R. Diamond in 2005 at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago. Often described as “gorgeously written,” ‘The Bluest Eye’ is a well-known literary work that intricately weaves themes of race, colorism, love, trauma, identity, and culture with the care and understanding that it takes to truly communicate the complexities of the African American experience.
‘The Bluest Eye’ invites us to sit with difficult questions about beauty and belonging. We must explore how racism affects our community’s ability to survive while sharing joy and love through life’s complexities.”
-Eileen J. Morris, Director
‘The Bluest Eye’ is set in Toni Morrison’s hometown of Lorain, Ohio in 1941 showing Pecola living in a society that constantly tells her that white features—especially blue eyes—are beautiful, and that her own appearance is not. Because of this, she begins to believe that if she had blue eyes, her life would be better, and people would treat her with kindness.
‘The Bluest Eye’ features performances by Estee Burks, Brittny Bush, Caprice Carter, Timothy
Eric, Kiya Green, Rita L. Hughes, Kory LaQuess Pullman, and Alayna Sylvester.
‘The Bluest Eye’ Opens on Friday, January 23, 2026, and runs through Sunday, February 22, 2026. The Ensemble Theatre invites members of the press/media to attend ‘The Bluest Eye’ during our media night on Friday, January 23, 2026.
About The Ensemble Theatre
The Ensemble Theatre was founded in 1976 by the late George Hawkins to preserve African American artistic expression and enlighten, entertain, and enrich a diverse community. It is the oldest and largest professional African American theatre in the Southwest, and it also holds the distinction of being one of the nation’s largest African American theatres that owns and operates its facility with an in-house production team. Forty-nine years later, the theatre remains one of Houston’s finest historical cultural institutions.
The Ensemble Theatre produces a main stage season of six contemporary and classic works devoted to the portrayal of the African American experience by local and national playwrights and artists. The theatre’s Education Department provides educational workshops, Artist-in-Residence experiences, and a season of live performances for students both off-site and at the theatre. The Young Performers Program offers STEM-centered training for children ages 6 to 17, encompassing instruction in all disciplines of the theatre arts.
For more information, visit ensemblehouston.com.
