At The Human Race Theatre Company, storytelling doesn’t stop when the curtain falls. It expands into the community, into dialogue, and into a shared understanding. That spirit comes alive in our upcoming Community Conversation: The Hot Wing King, presented in partnership with Dayton Metro Library.
Taking place on Thursday, May 21 from 5:00–7:00 PM at the Main Library’s Eichelberger Forum, this special event invites audiences to gather for an engaging evening where theatre, community, and conversation collide.
A Story That Sparks Conversation
Centered around Katori Hall’s Pulitzer Prize–winning play The Hot Wing King—and its vibrant backdrop of Memphis’s “Hot Wang Festival”—this conversation explores the deeper layers of a story rooted in love, competition, and chosen family. As a regional premiere for HRTC, the production brings bold, timely themes to Dayton’s stage, and this discussion offers an opportunity to engage with those themes before (or after) seeing the show.
Meet the Voices Leading the Conversation
This dynamic panel brings together artists and community leaders who will guide an authentic and thought-provoking dialogue:
- Emily Wells, Artistic Director, HRTC
- Darnell Pierre Benjamin, Director of The Hot Wing King
- Jordan Ostrum, LGBTQIA+ Services Specialist, Dayton Metro Library
- Moderator: Tiffany Countryman, Engagement & Learning Manager, HRTC
Together, they will unpack the heart of the play and its relevance to our local community.
What We’ll Explore
This conversation is designed to be both reflective and interactive, diving into topics such as:
- The balance of humor and heartbreak within complex family dynamics
- Representation, masculinity, and queer relationships in Katori Hall’s work
- The ways The Hot Wing King mirrors and amplifies stories within Dayton
- Audience reflections, questions, and lived experiences
About the Production
The Hot Wing King runs June 3 through June 14, 2026, at The Loft Theatre. With a runtime of approximately 90 minutes and no intermission, the production promises a powerful and immersive theatrical experience.
Tickets are available through the Dayton Live box office at 937-228-3630 or online.
Join the Conversation
Whether you’re a theatre lover, a community advocate, or simply someone who values meaningful dialogue, this evening offers a chance to engage deeply with art and each other. Come ready to listen, to share, and to experience the richness of storytelling beyond the stage.
We look forward to seeing you there.