Manhattan Theatre Club (MTC) has announced a new collaboration between “School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play” and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). The museum will present a series of post-show talkbacks after the matinée performances on Oct. 24, Oct. 31, Nov. 7 and Nov. 14.
Set in 1986 at an exclusive girls’ boarding school in Ghana, “School Girls” explores the relationships between the teen students as a scout for the Miss Ghana and Miss Universe pageants arrives at the school. As the recruiter evaluates the girls, queen bee Paulina’s dreams of claiming the top spot are put in jeopardy when a light-skinned girl starts at the school. Jocelyn Bioh’s comedy opened at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on Sept. 28, 2026, where it is scheduled to run through Nov. 15.
The talkbacks will offer insight into the historical and cultural context surrounding the events of “School Girls,” drawing on NMAAHC’s extensive research. MTC and NMAAHC will also create a digital audience guide, outlining the historical context of the play, and a line of trading cards, featuring the characters of “School Girls,” which will be distributed at certain performances.
Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the NMAAHC is dedicated exclusively to exploring, documenting and showcasing African American culture and history. Part of the Smithsonian Institution museum complex, NMAAHC first opened its doors on Sept. 24, 2016.
“School Girls” is being produced on Broadway by MTC (led by artistic director Nicki Hunter and executive director Chris Jennings), Chase This Productions and Susan Kelechi Watson.
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