Othello of Overtown: New Musical about Life and Legacy of Purvis Young at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale – Fort Lauderdale, FL

Inspired by the life of Purvis Young (1943–2010) the self-taught artist whose work chronicled the people, struggles and spirit of Miami’s Overtown neighborhood in his paintings, Othello of Overtown explores Young’s artistic journey, his relationship with community, and the tensions between creative expression and the commercial art world.

A special preview of the new production is happening during July, the monthly First Free Thursday at NSU Art museum, many events are free and open to the public including this matinee peformance in the Norma and William Horvitz Auditorium.

The play was written by Miami-born playwright, director and actor Sefanja Richard Galon. The director is Carey Brianna Hart, a New World School of the Arts and Goodman School of Drama at DePaul University graduate whose South Florida theater work spans stage, backstage, directing and radio arts and President of the South Florida Theatre Leauge.

Enjoy lunch and a coffee in the cafe and join us for the reading of about one hour with a conversation with the playwright, director and cast afterwards.

Want to see the performance again? Come to Perez Art Museum of Miami Saturday July 11, 1 – 3 PM during the monthly Second Saturdays Free Open House. Find out more about that special engagement by clicking here.

If you are joining us at NSU Art Museum, below is a list of some events that day:

First Free Thursday – July 2, 2026

Enjoy FREE Museum admission and 2-for-1 All Day Happy Hour the first Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Extended hours for public access to our current exhibitions and family-friendly experiences -11 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Frantz Zéphirin: The Messenger and Close to Home will be on view.

ALL DAY MINI MUSE

11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Get creative with us during Mini Muse for our free drop-in art-making project offeredfrom . This drop-in art-making event is open to all skill sets and all ages. Grab your friends, family, or come alone and let your imagination run wild.

Materials are provided, and all are welcome.

Mini Muse is sponsored by Funding Arts Broward

NEW! Free public tours at Noon.