ST. LOUIS – One way to tell emotional stories, document history, and express creativity is through the arts. A gem of the St. Louis region is the largest black professional theatre company in the country, the St. Louis Black Repertory.
Since the theatre was founded by Director Ron Himes in 1976, it has focused on putting on quality productions, mostly by African-American playwrights. These are dramas, comedies, and musicals, and Himes brought the vision to life to offer more opportunities for black professionals and students in the theater. He was an undergrad student at Washington University and started out calling the theater the Phoenix Theatre Troupe.
The name changed, and the black legacy theatre went on to be recognized nationally. In 1986, The Company became the only African-American theatre in the Midwest under contract with the Actor’s Equity Association. This was to attain union pay for its actors and stage managers. To instill pride, confidence, and educate the youth through art, The Black Rep also has an award-winning education and community program.
The theatre is currently in its 47th season. You can see a show this month and take in African American literature and St. Louis black history.
