can I touch it?<https://www.cptonline.org/performances/seasons/2022-2023/can-i-touch-it/> Written by Francisca Da Silveira Directed by India Nicole Burton National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere April 20 - May 13, 2023 Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) presents the National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere of can i touch it? by Susan Smith Blackburn Prize finalist<https://www.blackburnprize.org/> Francisca Da Silveira who is making her Cleveland debut with the production. It will be directed by CPT and National New Play Network alum India Nicole Burton. ABOUT THE PLAY Shay Solomon's got a lot going on between trying to find funding for her daughter to go to college, trying not to fire an opinionated rogue employee who happens to be her niece, and dealing with the white banker who's trying to touch her hair-that is, her Black beauty supply store which is on the brink of foreclosure in the midst of ongoing neighborhood gentrification. can i touch it? takes an often-humorous look at the politics of the Black hair care industry while prompting a dialogue about the inequities that entrepreneurs face within a community on the verge of forced change. NNPN Rolling World Premiere. ANCILLARY EVENTS FOR "can I touch it?"<https://www.cptonline.org/can-i-touch-it-community-partners/> April 20 - May 13: Hairitage: Don't Touch My Hair - Art exhibition by artist/photographer Ryan Harris.<https://www.cptonline.org/can-i-touch-it-community-partners/> April 21: Meet Playwright Francisca Da Silveira in Partnership with Project 400! April 30: The Business of Black Beauty - Three beauty entrepreneurs<https://www.cptonline.org/can-i-touch-it-community-partners/> and activists share their experiences with gentrification and more. TICKET and SHOW INFORMATION EVERY TICKET is Choose What You Pay<https://www.cptonline.org/uncategorized/cleveland-public-theatre-announces-expanded-choose-what-you-pay-ticketing-practice/> starting at $1. PURCHASE TICKETS at www.cptonline.org<http://www.cptonline.org> or call the CPT Box Office at 216.631.2727 ext. 501. Reserve early! CPT never charges any ticket fees, ever. Sundays are Covid-Conscious performances when patrons are required to wear masks. Click here<https://www.cptonline.org/plan-your-visit/> for all COVID-19 Safety Protocols.The James Levin Theatre is ADA-compliant featuring a ramped entrance and an all-gender, wheelchair accessible restroom. Every Friday is Free Bev Friday at CPT. Mingle with the artists after the show and discuss the performance in a lively, social atmosphere - your drinks are on CPT.