5 MOJA Festival Events to Experience at the College of Charleston

The College of Charleston Department of Theatre and Dance will host five performances as part of the City of Charleston’s MOJA Arts Festival, which runs Sept. 24 through Oct. 4. All performances will take place at the Chapel Theatre (172 Calhoun St.). Tickets are available at the George Street Box Office.

Over the years, the College has partnered with programing for the annual festival through the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture, the Department of Music and the Department of Theatre and Dance.

This year, under the leadership of Gary DeWitt Marshall, instructor of theatre performance, the College will host five performances, all taking place at Chapel Theatre.

“MOJA is an important celebration of Black culture, creativity and storytelling, and we’re proud to be part of that tradition,” says Marshall. “The School of the Arts is the artistic heartbeat of Charleston, and MOJA gives us the opportunity to bring that spirit to life through powerful performances, diverse voices and stories that connect us to our past and speak to our present.”

Founded in 1979 as Charleston’s biennial Black Arts Festival, the festival was renamed the MOJA Arts Festival in 1984. The name, which means one in Swahili, reflects the festival’s focus on unity, cultural expression and the African American and Caribbean traditions that shape Charleston and communities around the world.

“We are energized by the continued momentum of the MOJA Arts Festival and remain committed to expanding its visibility, elevating its artistic excellence and raising the bar each year to reflect the creativity, innovation and world-class spirit that define both this extraordinary festival and the city of Charleston,” says Charlton Singleton, artistic director of the festival, in a statement from the city’s Office of Cultural Affairs.

Below are five performances happening at the College of Charleston Chapel Theatre. For a full list of events, visit the MOJA Arts Festival website.

Asase Yaa – African Dance Troupe

Friday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m.

Based in Brooklyn, New York, Obie Award–winning dance company Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater will perform traditional West African dances, music and drumming. Join for an exciting and moving performance as they celebrate their 25th anniversary. Recommended for audiences of all ages.

The Promise

Saturday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 27, 3 p.m.

In this co-production with Claflin University, CofC Stages presents The Promise, a powerful play that tells the story of six Black Continental Army soldiers captured by the British during and post the American Revolutionary War. Watch as they are forced to explore what the promises of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness truly mean. Recommended for audiences ages 14 and up (mature themes).

A Masterpiece in Progress

Thursday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m.

Written and performed by Gary DeWitt Marshall, A Masterpiece in Progress is a solo theatrical work that explores myth, memory and truth through humor, reflection and storytelling. The piece returns in its 2026 incarnation with renewed urgency, resonating deeply in a world where trauma wears a thousand faces and justice remains elusive. Recommended for audiences ages 16 and up (strong language and adult themes).

Rappers in the Round

Saturday, Oct. 3, 7 p.m.

The Lowcountry’s finest hip-hop lyricists come together to share their inspiration and influences while performing select hits from their extensive musical catalogs. Recommended for audiences of all ages.

Divine Strength

Saturday, Oct. 4, 7 p.m.

This classically trained chamber ensemble is composed of women of color who are alumnae of Burke High School. Under the direction of music director David N. Ezell, this string quintet will play familiar tunes with a spiritual, soulful twist. Recommended for audiences of all ages.