FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 24, 2026

Houston Playwright Nikki Luellen Brings Powerful Historical Drama Serial Killers to the 4th Annual Houston Black Theatre Week

The November 12 production at the historic DeLUXE Theater celebrates the importance of Black storytelling, cultural preservation, and the continued fight for racial justice.

HOUSTON, TX — History, resistance, and the power of Black storytelling will take center stage on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., when Houston playwright, actress, and producer Nikki Luellen presents Serial Killers: The Crucifixion of the Black Man in America at the historic DeLUXE Theater as part of the 4th Annual Houston Black Theatre Week.

Produced by Nikki EL Films & Theatre, Serial Killers is a provocative two-actor historical drama that examines the systemic oppression of Black men throughout American history. Through the characters Gabriel and Sleepin' Negro, the production takes audiences on an emotional journey from slavery and Reconstruction through Jim Crow, the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Panther Party, and modern-day policing.

Drawing upon historical events and figures, including the murder of Emmett Till and the killing of Black Panther leader Fred Hampton, the play challenges audiences to examine how racial violence, injustice, and institutional oppression have persisted across generations.

Following its October 17 Houston performance, the production returns to the stage with Nikki Luellen portraying Sleepin' Negro and Maya Coleman portraying Gabriel. The November presentation will also feature spoken-word poetry, bringing together theatrical storytelling and powerful poetic voices.

The Importance of Houston Black Theatre Week

Taking place November 8–15, 2026, Houston Black Theatre Week celebrates its fourth year under the theme "Rooted in Culture, Alive Through Story."

Founded by playwright and producer Harold JAY Trotter, the festival was established to create meaningful opportunities for independent Black playwrights, producers, and performers to present their work and connect with audiences.

More than a theatrical festival, Houston Black Theatre Week serves as an important platform for cultural preservation, artistic development, and community engagement. Through stage productions, developmental readings, auditions, educational workshops, and artist recognition, the festival helps strengthen Houston's Black theatre community while opening doors for emerging artists.

Historically, Black theatre has played a critical role in challenging racial stereotypes, documenting social struggles, celebrating cultural identity, and giving voice to communities whose experiences have too often been excluded or misrepresented in mainstream entertainment.

Today, the need for these artistic spaces remains significant. Independent Black playwrights and producers continue working to ensure their stories are seen, heard, supported, and preserved for future generations.

For Luellen, whose artistic work frequently confronts social injustice and explores the experiences of marginalized communities, participating in Houston Black Theatre Week represents an opportunity to continue that tradition.

"I didn't write Serial Killers simply to revisit history. I wrote it because that history continues to show up in our present," said Luellen. "Black Theatre Week is important because it creates space for Black playwrights and producers to tell our own stories, in our own voices, without waiting for someone else to give us permission. These stories are part of American history, and they deserve to be told."

A Historic Stage for a Historic Story

The production's setting carries special significance.

Located in Houston's historic Fifth Ward, The DeLUXE Theater originally opened in 1941 as a movie theater serving Black audiences during segregation. Following decades of closure, the venue was restored and reopened as a cultural and performing arts center in 2015.

Today, the theater continues its legacy as a space for artistic expression, cultural celebration, and community connection.

Presenting Serial Killers at this historic venue connects the production's examination of Black American history with a building that has witnessed generations of change within Houston's Black community.

Through theatre and spoken word, Luellen hopes audiences will leave the performance not only emotionally moved but also inspired to examine history, engage in meaningful conversations, and recognize the importance of preserving Black cultural narratives.

Performance and Ticket Information

Production: Serial Killers: The Crucifixion of the Black Man in America

Event: 4th Annual Houston Black Theatre Week — One-Act Showcase

Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Venue: The DeLUXE Theater

Address: 3303 Lyons Avenue, Houston, TX 77020

Tickets: General Admission $25 | Premium Seating $40 (plus ticketing fees)

Tickets available at: https://1989dreamsproductions.thundertix.com/events/272357

About Nikki EL Films & Theatre

Nikki EL Films & Theatre is a Houston-based independent production company founded by playwright, filmmaker, actress, and producer Nikki Luellen. Through theatre, film, poetry, and storytelling, the company produces thought-provoking work that explores social justice, Black history, cultural identity, and the human experience. Its mission includes using the performing arts to educate, inspire, and create meaningful conversations within communities.

Website: https://www.nikkielfilms.org

About Houston Black Theatre Week

Houston Black Theatre Week is an annual celebration dedicated to elevating Black playwrights, producers, performers, and theatrical organizations. Presented through the work of 1989 Dreams Productions and festival partners, the event promotes independent Black theatre through performances, educational opportunities, auditions, and cultural programming.

For more information, visit https://www.1989dreams.com/hbtw.

Media Contact

Nikki Luellen

Playwright / Producer

Nikki EL Films & Theatre

Email: nikkiluellenfilms@gmail.com

Website: www.nikkielfilms.org

Instagram: @nikki_el_films_n_theatre

Media interviews, production photographs, and additional information are available upon request.

PREVIOUS PRESS & MEDIA COVERAGE

FEATURED IN BROADWAYWORLD

Nikki Luellen Featured on Houston on the Record

Playwright, actress, and producer Nikki Luellen sat down with Houston on the Record to discuss her powerful stage play, Serial Killers: The Crucifixion of the Black Man in America. The conversation highlights the inspiration behind the production, its exploration of systemic racism and historical injustices, and the importance of using theatre as a platform for education, awareness, and meaningful dialogue.

Watch the interview to learn more about the vision behind Serial Killers and its message of truth, history, and social justice.

BROADWAYWORLD HOUSTON
September 23, 2026

SERIAL KILLERS: THE CRUCIFIXION OF THE BLACK MAN IN AMERICA to Open in Houston

BroadwayWorld Houston highlights Nikki Luellen’s upcoming production of Serial Killers, starring Nikki Luellen and Maya Coleman at The Spotlight Studio HTX.

PRESS RELEASES / ANNOUNCEMENTS

Houston Arts Alliance Awards Funding for Serial Killers: The Crucifixion of the Black Man in America

HOUSTON, TEXAS — Houston playwright, producer, and performing artist Nikki Luellen has received funding from Houston Arts Alliance in support of the upcoming Houston production of Serial Killers: The Crucifixion of the Black Man in America.

The original stage production examines the historical and ongoing experiences of Black men in America through theatre, storytelling, history, and performance. Moving across generations of Black American history, Serial Killers explores themes of racism, state violence, resistance, survival, and the continued struggle for justice.

The Houston production will take place October 17, 2026, at 6PM at the Spotlight Studio HTX and will bring the work back to the stage with a renewed production and cast.

The support from Houston Arts Alliance will help make the production possible by contributing to artist and production expenses and supporting the continued development and presentation of locally created theatre in Houston.

For Luellen, the production is also part of a larger commitment to using the arts as a vehicle for preserving Black history, creating space for difficult conversations, and connecting historical experiences to issues affecting Black communities today.

This work is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.

Date: Saturday OCT. 17, 2026 @ 6PM

Place: Spotlight Studio HTX (13230 Hempstead RD. Houston, Tx 77040)

Link to tickets: Tinyurl.com/SerialKillersHTX

Nikki Luellen
Producer / Playwright
Nikki EL Films & Theatre
📧 nikkiluellenfilms@gmail.com
📸 Instagram: @nikki_el_films_n_theatre

For press inquiries, calendar listings, or additional information, please reach out via email.