By Carra Martinez, August Wilson Fellow, Penumbra Theatre and University of Minnesota

Founded in 1976, Penumbra Theatre provides a culturally-specific theatrical voice, speaking to the rich histories and experiences of African American life.  Under the leadership of Lou Bellamy, Founder and Artistic Director, Penumbra has successfully begun to share its knowledge and passion with an even broader audience in communities across the nation.  The development of the Penumbra Signature Series formalizes its dedication to such an endeavor.

The Signature Series will provide the regional theatre community with the opportunity to engage with art developed by artists of color inside a community of color, all working with the express intent of addressing issues of social justice and redefining the consciousness of their audience.  The Signature Series will provide a regional theatre with not just a touring show, but with a play whose cultural historicity remains intact, with educational support developed for the complex themes and social issues surrounding the text, and with a community outreach program designed to engage local artists of color in the spirit of dialogue and development.

Within the space of this KnightArts blog, Penumbra hopes to critically examine the development of the Signature Series, specifically thinking through the structures that support such an endeavor.  This examination speaks to both the company’s understanding of itself and the Signature Series’ potential impact on the communities to which it will travel.