By Aja Hannah, all images © Kayla Lupean
They’re back, baby.
For the first time since March 2020, Karamu House will be returning to the Cleveland Foundation Jelliffe Theatre with their 2021-22 season. Four shows will hit the mainstage, starting with “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” in October. Theater lovers can
purchase a subscription for the full season today, or for each show individually nearer to when they open.
The show begins with “Mother of Blues” Ma Rainey recording some of her favorite songs at a rundown studio in Chicago in 1927. Well, at least, she’s supposed to. Her band gossips behind her back when she runs late. After she finally shows, she struggles to keep control over her own music while a hot-headed trumpet player pushes for a dream of his own band. Running throughout the month, the play will be directed by Justin Emeka, courtesy of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.
A Karamu House classic, Langston Hughes’ “Black Nativity” will run throughout December. Hughes, who taught at Karamu House, called this work “the Gospel Song-Play” and it toured the world when it first debuted in 1961. Put simply, it tells the nativity story from the bible with an all-Black cast.
Katori Hall’s “The Mountaintop” – Feb. 11 – Mar. 6
In her stage play “The Mountaintop,” Katori Hall reimagined the night before the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A storm rages outside of the Lorraine Motel while Dr. King talks with a mysterious housekeeper in room 306. They speak on racism and justice and King’s legacy to his people.
Keith Hamilton Cobb’s “American Moor” – May 6 - 29
Written and performed by Keith Hamilton Cobb, “American Moor” is about a seasoned black actor auditioning for William Shakepeare’s Othello. The young white director thinks he knows how to maximize the black characters' believability. The play runs through May and will be directed by Kim Weild.
The George Gund Foundation awarded Karamu House $1.7 million for a thrivability campaign, Karamu Rising. The 76-year-old campus has been going through an expensive facelift and the endowment will also be used for ongoing programs, which has recently expanded to cover the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Founded in 1915, Karamu House is recognized as the oldest African American theatre in the nation.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE HEALTH + SAFETY MEASURES AT KARAMU HOUSE
Karamu House is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our patrons, performers, and staff. Upon entry, all patrons must show an official vaccination card reflecting 14-days since the secnd/final dose or evidence of a negative PCR molecular or antigen COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of arrival.
VACCINATION
Patrons can show any of the following options as official proof of vaccination:
- Physical Vaccination Card
- Photo of Vaccination Card
- Digital Vaccination Card
Please note: Any personal information presented to Karamu staff is strictly confidential and is viewed one time only at the point of entry.
COVID–19 TESTING
Patrons who cannot be vaccinated must provide proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours prior to entering the theatre for admittance to an indoor performance. Acceptable tests:
- PCR molecular (negative result)
- Antigen COVID-19 (negative result)
MASKS
Masks are required for everyone entering the facility and must be worn in all spaces at all times. Masks must be properly worn over the nose and mouth and are only permitted to be removed while actively eating or drinking.
ILLNESS/ EXPOSURE / SYMPTOMS
If you are ill or if you have been exposed to COVID-19, please stay home and contact the box office to discuss ticket options.
Performance ticket holders who do not comply with these policies will not be admitted.
BUILDING SAFETY + SANITATION
Karamu is following enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols, focusing on high-touch surfaces.
AIR QUALITY
Karamu’s air handlers are fitted with MERV-13 rated filters, known to trap COVID-19 particles.
CLEAN HANDS
Hand sanitizer is available throughout the facility.
CAPACITY
All performances and events will be sold to full capacity.
TICKETS
Please consider digital ticket delivery for a simplified, touch-free experience.
PROGRAMS
Production programs will be available in digital (via QR code) and as hard copies.
CONCESSIONS
Only beverages will be sold at the bar.