The Juneteenth Story is a cornerstone of Lafayette’s Juneteenth celebration. Presented by Black Theatre Experience (BTE) and SWLA Juneteenth Committee, this show is an original, community-rooted theatrical event that commemorates emancipation through story, music, movement, and intergenerational dialogue. Written by local playwright Twana Benoit and directed by Josiah Price, the production invites audiences into a culturally grounded, accessible performance that honors the past while speaking directly to the present.
Told across two timelines, The Juneteenth Story connects emancipation-era experiences to modern-day questions of justice, opportunity, and civic responsibility -- asking what freedom meant then, what it means now, and what it asks of us moving forward. Part civic gathering, part stage play, the experience is designed to move, challenge, and inspire audiences of all ages.
Join us at Acadiana Center for the Arts for an evening of powerful local storytelling and collective reflection in celebration of Juneteenth.
Date: June 19th-20th
Time: 7:30pm and 2:00pm
Location: Acadiana Center for The Arts
101 W Vermillion St. Lafayette, La 70501
Theater At It’s Best:
The Juneteenth Story
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Show: The Juneteenth Story
By: Twana Benoit
Date: June 19th and 20th
Location: Acadiana Center for the Arts
101 W Vermillion St. Lafayette, LA 70501, USA
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About the Black Theater Experience (BTE)
The Black Theater Experience (BTE) community theater program is dedicated to showcasing and celebrating black theater work in all its forms. Our mission is to showcase the vibrant tapestry of black theater work, amplifying our voices, providing a platform for artists of color to share their stories and express their creativity through the powerful medium of theater. By presenting diverse narratives and perspectives, we aim to make a lasting impact on our community, fostering understanding, empathy, and dialogue. Through BTE, we strive to not only uplift and empower artists of color but our community as well by offering a space to shine and ensuring that their voices are heard and valued. Join us as we come together to celebrate the richness and diversity of black theater and make a meaningful impact on our community.
Josiah Price is a versatile artist from Lafayette, LA, possesses an array of talents and passions. From the vibrant stages of New York City to the heart of Lafayette's theater scene, Josiah's journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the arts.
With a background steeped in theater, film, and voice-over work, Josiah has captivated numerous audiences. He most recently portrayed Tom Collins in Shelby Have's rendition of RENT.
Beyond the spotlight, Josiah is a steadfast advocate for nurturing young talent in the arts. Annually, he lends his expertise as a judge and mentor for prestigious competitions such as Poetry Out Loud, NAACP ACT-SO, and the English Speaking Union's National Shakespeare Competition, empowering the next generation of artists to shine.
As a visionary director, Josiah has brought to life a diverse range of productions, from his first original production Shakespeare Giggles to poignant classics like Romeo and Juliet. Josiah continues to make his mark directing The Juneteenth Story for the 2022-2024 productions. He was honored and humbled to direct BTE’s 2nd production Fences by August Wilson in 2025. He is excited to bring Juneteenth back for the 2026 production. Follow him @josiahmprice and @TheJuneteenthStory on Instagram to keep up with what he’s doing.
Show Director Spotlight:
Playwright Spotlight:
Twana Benoit has been putting words to the world since she was twelve years old — through poetry, journals, and short stories that were less hobby than instinct. By twenty-four, she recognized that instinct for what it was: a gift. It was in that moment of clarity that she wrote The Juneteenth Story.
That was seventeen years ago. The play has been produced every year since.
Now a cornerstone of Southwest Louisiana’s Juneteenth celebration, The Juneteenth Story is presented annually by Black Theatre Experience and the SWLA Juneteenth Committee — and directed by Benoit’s son, Josiah Price. What began as one writer’s act of devotion has grown into a living community ritual, passed down and carried forward.
Raised to be a strong woman, grounded in faith, and fiercely proud of her Blackness, Benoit writes from deep cultural conviction. Her work is testimony, preservation, and celebration — and it returns every year because the story still needs telling.