The Hampton Players, alongside the Hampton University Repertory Theatre presents the stage play “Home” by American playwright Samm-Art Williams
HAMPTON, Va. – (February 17, 2026) – House Lights Down, Spotlight On! The Hampton players, alongside the Hampton University Repertory Theatre, set the stage and put the “Home” in “Home by the Sea,” presenting their production of the play Home, inviting the Coastal Virginia community to a heartfelt performance experience. Home will be performed on February 27- 28, and March 1 at the historic American Theatre.
Home made its debut in 1980 and was revived in 2024. Originally produced Off-Broadway by the Negro Ensemble Company, the play is rich with both culture and oral tradition. Now in its second consecutive year of production by the Hampton Players and Repertory Theatre, the play continues to resonate with audiences through its timeless story.
This is not your typical stage play. Under the direction of V.J. Banks, Home brings Southern Black heritage to life through the story of a man whose journey from rural North Carolina to the North and back home reflects the experiences of an entire community shaped by migration, struggle, and fortitude.
At the forefront of the cast is graduating senior Isaac Taylor, bringing passion and depth to the leading role of Cephus Miles.
“In playing Cephus, one of the first things that came to mind was, ‘Don’t forget where you came from,’” Taylor shared.
“All of the teachings he learned as a child stayed with him throughout his life. Wherever we go, we seek familiarity; that’s how we connect more quickly with what’s around us. This production made me ask: what really makes something feel like home? Is it a place, a thing, a feeling, or a person? Home means something different to everyone.”
Taylor is joined by an exceptional cast and crew of creatives, including:
- Kai Ture as Woman One
- Jayla Carpenter as Woman One
- Jordan Moran as Woman Two
- Sophia Harris as Woman Two
- Robin J. Boisseau – Managing Director
- Torenzo Blair- Scenic Designer
- Xorlali Plange – Costume Designer
- Angel Smith – Scenic Painter
- Najwa Patterson – Stage Manager
Dean of Hampton University’s School of Liberal Arts and Education, Dr. Linda Malone-Colon, praised the ensembles for their dedication and excellence in bringing the production to life. “Our students and theatre community work tirelessly year-after-year to deliver exceptional performances and seamless productions,” said Malone-Colon. “To see their talent showcased on such a historic stage will be nothing less than extraordinary.”
Hampton University’s connection to the arts runs deep, and this production deepens that legacy. The partnership between the Hampton Arts Foundation and the University goes back to the late 1980s.
“Hampton has a long and storied history of excellence in the arts, cultivating generations of the finest performers,” says Dr. Karen Ward, Old Dominion Endowed Chair of Fine and Performing Arts. “Presenting a play like Home is a powerful way to honor that legacy and celebrate Black history in a way that continues to inspire the next generation of artists.”
The Hampton Players will grace The American Theatre stage Friday, February 27, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, February 28, at 3 p.m.; and Sunday, March 1, at 3 p.m.
Don’t miss this moving celebration of culture and what it truly means to come home. Get your tickets here: https://hamptonurep.org/.
ABOUT HAMPTON UNIVERSITY
Hampton University is a prestigious Carnegie R2-designated research institution, nationally acclaimed for pioneering work in atmospheric science, cancer treatment, and cybersecurity. With an annual economic impact of $530 million across the region and the Commonwealth of Virginia, Hampton stands as a powerful engine of innovation, workforce development, and inclusive economic growth.
Consistently recognized for academic excellence and transformative outcomes, Hampton was recently named one of the “Best Colleges in America” by Money Magazine and honored as the “Best Private College” by Coastal Virginia Magazine.
Founded in 1868, Hampton University is a proud, close-knit community of scholars, representing 44 states and 32 territories. With a legacy rooted in empowerment and education, the university is committed to nurturing intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and global citizenship — preparing students to lead with purpose and integrity in an ever-changing world. Learn more at: www.hamptonu.edu
For media inquiries, please contact Mahogany Waldon in the Office of University Relations at universityrelations@hamptonu.edu.
