With the historic Forest Theater in South Dallas hustling toward a long-awaited reopening later this year, its executive and artistic director has abruptly exited. Nijeul X stepped away after less than a year in the role, a surprise twist for a high-profile restoration that has attracted public attention along with major private and city investment. Forest Forward, the nonprofit leading the project, says construction and programming efforts are still moving ahead.
Forest Forward acknowledged the shake-up in a brief statement and named Jiles R. King II as interim artistic director, according to The Dallas Morning News. The outlet reported that it was not clear what prompted Nijeul X’s departure and that he could not be reached for comment. In its statement, the organization emphasized that "our work continues with an unchanged focus" on culture, connection and economic opportunity.
Big Renovation, Big Ambitions
The makeover is part of a roughly $80 million revitalization that will grow the Forest Theater complex by about 35,000 square feet and add a 1,000-seat concert hall, a studio with 200 retractable seats, a media lab and a cafe, according to Forest Forward. The nonprofit describes the project as both a performance hub and a creative laboratory for South Dallas, pairing stage productions with recording studios and classroom space. Local reporting indicates Forest Forward has secured most of its fundraising goal but is still actively raising money as it equips the new facilities and lines up programming for opening. D Magazine has been tracking the campaign and the timeline.
A Long Road Back
The Forest Theater first opened in 1949, built by Karl Hoblitzelle, and grew into a hub of Black cultural life before falling dark for long stretches. It sat mostly unused after 2009 until Forest Forward bought the property in 2017 and finally broke ground on renovations in 2024. The venue’s history includes performances by Tina Turner, B.B. King and Erykah Badu, a legacy the current restoration team says it plans to honor as the theater comes back to life. Most construction is expected to be substantially complete in early 2026, with a grand opening targeted for November, according to NBC DFW.
What’s Next
With a November opening still circled on the calendar, the leadership change complicates the already tight timeline for programming and staff hires. Forest Forward says it will keep building out teams and hosting community tours in the coming months. Elizabeth Wattley, the organization’s CEO, has repeatedly said the project remains on schedule and centered on community impact as construction winds down, according to D Magazine. In the meantime, the interim artistic director is tasked with using the remaining months to shape a slate of events that can draw marquee acts while nurturing local talent.
Neighbors and arts leaders say they are watching closely as the Forest prepares to return as a cultural anchor for the 75215 ZIP code, and Forest Forward maintains that the community will stay at the heart of decision-making. The group’s website outlines goals around arts education, job creation and neighborhood revitalization, and the nonprofit has reiterated that the theater is intended to be a site of ongoing cultural activity. Community events, ticketing details and staffing announcements are expected in the spring as the opening schedule is finalized, and Forest Forward and local outlets are expected to share those updates first.
