Penumbra Theatre Company was founded in 1976 by Lou Bellamy as a venue for African American voices within the Twin Cities theatre scene and has stood for more than thirty-five years at the intersection of art; culture; politics; and local community engagement. It has helped launch the careers of many internationally respected theatre artists and has been repeatedly recognized for its artistic excellence as the nationrsquo;s foremost African American theatre.Penumbra is the first-ever history of this barrier-breaking institution. Based on extensive interviews with actors; directors; playwrights; producers; funders; and critics; Macelle Mahalarsquo;s book offers a multifaceted view of the theatre and its evolution. Penumbra follows the companyrsquo;s emergence from the influential Black Arts and settlement house movements; the pivotal role Penumbra played in the development of August Wilsonrsquo;s career and; in turn; how Wilson became an avid supporter and advocate throughout his life; the annual production of Black Nativity as a community-building performance; and the difficult economics of African American theatre production and how Penumbra has faced these challenges for nearly four decades. Penumbra is a testament to how a theatre can respond to and thrive within changing political and cultural realities while contributing on a national scale to the African American presence on the American stage. It is a celebration of theatre as a means of social and cultural involvementmdash;both local and nationalmdash;and ultimately; of Penumbrarsquo;s continuing legacy of theatre that is vibrant; diverse; and vital.
#1117778 in eBooks 2013-08-28 2013-08-28File Name: B00F0LI0PG
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I did not like this book.By MSTI was very disappointed in this book. I was hoping for a story about a great cello and its history; even if fictional; but instead got a tawdry "romance" novel. Pro: The prose flowed smoothly and was a fast read - either due to a talented author or a very competent editor. Con: The twist in the plot was apparent too early in the story. The off-color language and obsession with sex; incestuous at that; degraded what could have been a very interesting and enjoyable novel.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. ...and sang no moreBy brendaI am a music teacher and the mother of a cellist. I love cello music and I suppose thats a big part of why I instantly related to this story. Lots of music was mentioned; the relationship between the cellist and the cello was quite realistically portrayed. The mystery in the story when finally revealed was a surprise to me. Dont you hate it when you figure it out for yourself - too soon? I didnt!I am also a madrigal singer who has been loving and singing "The Silver Swan" for many; many years. Thus sang her first and last...and sang no more...Elena absolutely must feel the same way I do about that line from the beautiful madrigal. You might feel the same way; too.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. good read but not greatBy hschreibI was intrigued to read this book because I love classical music and know personally some well regarded musicians. I was somewhat dissapointed that the author didnt develop more what emotional response playing great music means to the protagonists and how their lives are totally dominated by their music.The story was pretty predictable - I guessed fairly quickly what would develop between the two main characters and what would happen at the end.I did very much enjoy learning more about how very valuable instruments are cared for; bought; sold and handled.The book does move quickly and is easy to read and the characters are likeable.