Kuntu Repertory Theatre is part of the Department of Africana Studies of the University of Pittsburgh. It was founded in 1974 by Vernell A. Lillie, then an assistant professor, for the purpose of presenting the works of Rob Penny (Playwright-in-Residence) and other African American writers. The mission of Kuntu is to examine Black life form a sociopolitical-historical perspective, and to combine the salient features of the theatre that both educate and entertain the audience, and that move performers and audience to social action.
Since its inception, Kuntu has produced more than 80 plays by playwrights such as Gregory Allen, James Baldwin, Kathleen Collins, Lorraine Hansberry, Langston Hughes, Pearl Cleage, Marta Effinger, OyamO, Rob Penny, Wole Soyinka and August Wilson. Kuntu leads the way, among Pittsburgh theatres, in bringing the artistic work of socially conscious Africana playwrights to this community. Besides its Mainstage Season, the Kuntu Touring Company performs dramatic collages of literature, music and dance. It creates Psychodrama/Theatre Workshops that address the concerns and interests of educational and civic institutions. These activities provide Kuntu with another way to meaningfully interact with the community through the performing arts. The Kuntu Touring Company has performed at Ohio State University, New Orleans Jazz Heritage Festival, New York, The Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, in Toronto, Canada, and at other events and venues. Kuntu designs Psychodrama/Theatre Workshops for organizations such as the Black Theatre Network, Lemington Home for the Aged, and Service Employee International Union.
Mission Statement
Kuntu Repertory Theatre’s mission is to examine Africana life from a sociopolitical, historical perspective and to combine the salient features of theatre that educate, entertain, and move both performers and audiences to personal growth and social action. Kuntu exists to create, preserve, and present the wonderful artistic dreams, legacies, and history of Africans throughout the Diaspora. Kuntu is a word from the Bantu family of languages of the people of Central, South and West Africa. It reflects the cultural tradition of Africa in which the artistic creations in dance/movement, drama, music, visual arts, and words are entwined as a single unit. The aesthetic and philosophical base of Kuntu drama flows from the mores, rituals, and traditions of West Africa, Nubian, Kush, and Ancient Kemet (Egypt).
Kuntu Repertory Theatre is the oldest and largest continuing African American performing arts organization in Pittsburgh and the second oldest theatre company affiliated with a major research university. Kuntu is nationally known for its: development of playwrights, development of a Kuntu canon of literature, and its psychodrama workshops for the training of actors, teaching strategy, ad social growth with seniors and children. Kuntu is a student/community organization with professional performers and technicians. It was founded in 1974 by Vernell A. Lillie, an associate professor, for presenting the works of Rob Penny (Playwright-in-Residence) and other African American writers, and issue oriented dramas. It explores and celebrates the Black experience throughout the Diaspora. African, African American, and Caribbean playwrights and poets are the central voices representing the broad spectrum of Africana culture and history.
Kuntu is anchored in this community through three types of programming: four to six mainstage productions annually; 10-20 touring productions of plays and collages for campus groups and to colleges, universities, community organizations, social service centers and state and federal prisons. These activities stimulate critical thinking, promote creativity and conversation, and enhance the quality of life for the community. Throughout the years, Kuntu has presented theme oriented and work related workshops for the aged at Lemington Home, Allentown, McKinley Senior Center, ElderAdo Senior Citizen Center, and Southside Senior Center; for children at Children and Youth Services, Abraxas, and Three Rivers Youth; and for professional organizations such as the International Association of Mediators and the Service Employee International Union.
Last year, Kuntu conducted over 15 workshops in the community as well as in New York, North Carolina, and South Africa. Last year, Kuntu conducted a residency program at Lincoln Elementary School in which students, their teachers, and parents participated in a 12 week program taught by theatre professionals and coordinated by Kuntu founder and artistic director, Vernell A. Lillie. This program focused on psychodrama, theatre, music, and dance. Over 13 students participated in this 12 week program that culminated in a final performance. This program will continue this year.
Kuntu celebrates its 30th anniversary season this year and will continue its policy of offering free, reduced and/or subsidized tickets to Pitt students and the community.
Kuntu
Repertory Theatre
University of Pittsburgh
Dept. of Africana Studies
4140 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
230 South Bouquet Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
412-624-7298
E-mail: info@kuntu.org