DC highlights theatre industry; African Union celebrates its diaspora

By Angelique Gingras

June 6, 2025

DC highlights theatre industry; African Union celebrates its diaspora — The Embassy of the African Union and Ambassador Hilda Suka-Mafudze hosted its annual African Day celebration on May 30. (Photo by Patricia McDougall)

DC celebrates 41st Helen Hayes Awards

Theatre Washington rolled out the red carpet on May 19 for the annual Helen Hayes Awards. Now in its 41st year, the event recognizes the achievements of professional theatre and theatre-makers in Washington, and celebrates the city’s vibrant performing arts community.

More than 1,600 attendees were present at The Anthem, where hosts Felicia Curry and Mike Millan recognized 165 productions across 41 categories of awards. The big winners of the evening were Signature Theatre, taking home six awards, and 1st Stage Theatre and The Keegan Theatre, each with four awards. The evening also presented a Helen Hayes Tribute to Robert Hooks, a DC native, actor and producer who founded three Black theatre companies.

The annual Helen Hayes Awards welcomes DC’s performing arts community, often supported by various diplomatic initiatives.

Photos by Patricia McDougall.

Dr. Judy Kuriansky and Enrique Quiroz Sanchez, cultural attache at the Embassy of Mexico.

José Alberto Uclés, Barbara Brown Hawthorn, Jan Du Plain, Tony Powell and Tom Noll.

Tunisian Ambassador Hanène Tajouri Bessassi and Monia Zgarni.

The annual Helen Hayes Awards was held on May 19.

Rwandan Ambassador Mathilde Mukantabana and Costa Rican Ambassador Catalina Crespo Sancho.

Dr. Judy Kuriansky and Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin, of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin, of St. Kitts and Nevis; Ambassador Catalina Crespo Sancho, of Costa Rica; former Ecuadorian Ambassador to the US Ivonne A-Baki; Cora Masters-Barry, wife of former DC Mayor Marion Barry; Ambassador Mathilde Mukantabana, of Rwanda; Janet Pitt; Jan Du Plain; Barbara Brown Hawthorn; DC Secretary of State Kimberly Bassett; and Ambassador Lianys Torres Rivera, of Cuba.

African Day unites embassies and diaspora in Washington

The African Misson in Washington hosted its annual celebration of Africa Day on May 30. Dozens of African embassies showcased their tourism, culture and food for the community. African Union Ambassador Hilda Suka-Mafudze presided over the event alongside Ambassador Agostinho Van-Dúnem, of Angola; Ambassador Serge Mombouli, of the Republic of Congo; Ambassador Chibamba Favour Kanyama, of Zambia; and Troy Fitrell, senior official of the Bureau of African Affairs.

Photos by Patricia McDougall.