Invisible Life: A Celebration of E. Lynn Harris

Join us as we celebrate the literary legacy of author E. Lynn Harris with the cast and creative team of the upcoming stage production. As Invisible Life arrives on stage in a reimagined world premiere musical adaptation, join us for an in‑conversation panel featuring members of the cast and creative team behind this groundbreaking production. This special program will explore Harris’s transformative storytelling, the journey of adapting Invisible Life for the stage, and the resonance of his work within today’s artistic and social landscape. Attendees will gain behind‑the‑scenes insight into the creative process, character development, and the significance of bringing this essential narrative to theater audiences at the Howard Theatre for the first time. In addition to the conversation, guests will experience exclusive live performances from the production, showcasing original music written by legendary songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson. These selections offer a vibrant preview of the show’s emotional depth, musical richness, and celebratory spirit. Whether you are a devoted reader, a theater enthusiast, or new to Harris’s influential work, this event provides a unique opportunity to honor a literary trailblazer and engage with the artists bringing Invisible Life to life in a bold new form. Join us for an evening of dialogue, artistry, and celebration at DC Public Library. Currently starring as Richard Hallsen in Tyler Perry’s hit BET drama The Oval , Javon Johnson is a native of Anderson, South Carolina. A Broadway actor (Lombardi) and protégé of the late August Wilson. Johnson is an award-winning writer whose play Hambone was produced during Victory Gardens Theater’s Tony Award-winning season. His short film Heaven, directed by Chadwick Boseman, earned a nomination from the African Movie Academy Awards. Johnson co-directed the sold-out Apollo Theater showcase of E. Lynn Harris' Invisible Life: The Musical and appeared as the Reverend in Tyler Perry’s film Boo! A Madea Halloween . New cast member Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer . “If we were all honest, we would all acknowledge that we live a part of our lives… INVISIBLE.” Proteus X conceived and developed INVISIBLE LIFE: The Musical and holds the exclusive Intellectual Property Rights to the complete catalog of New York Times bestselling author E. Lynn Harris—spanning all 16 novels. Proteus X has made it his life’s mission to ensure that each new generation discovers E. Lynn Harris’ timeless message of love, identity, authenticity, and self-acceptance. A graduate of Syracuse University. Proteus X is an Ex-Hollywood Casting Director ( Disappearing Acts, Soul Food ). HBO Executive Producer. Paramount Pictures Executive Producer (Screenwriter). Ex-Model (VIBE, The SOURCE, EBONY, CROSS COLOURS, VERSACE). Proteus X produced the critically acclaimed musical Sanctified at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington, DC