The Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, African American art institution in San Francisco, California
Welcome to San Francisco, a city that is rich in history and culture. If you are interested in African-American arts and theater, then the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre is a must-visit destination. Located in downtown San Francisco, the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre is named after Lorraine Hansberry, who wrote the famous play A Raisin in the Sun while living in the Bay Area. Since its founding in 1981, the theater has been dedicated to celebrating the African-American experience on stage in the San Francisco Bay Area. Over the years, the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre has hosted many notable performances by renowned actors such as Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis, Danny Glover, and Ntozake Shange. The theater has also mounted more than 100 plays, productions, and theatrical events since its inception. Despite facing numerous obstacles over the years, including a declining African-American population in San Francisco, the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre has remained a tenacious arts organization. It has survived multiple changes in location and continues to be a vital part of the San Francisco arts scene. One of the most notable productions at the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre was the 1987 production of Ntozake Shange's play Three Views of Mt. Fuji. This play completed a six-week run at the theater before opening in New York at New Dramatists. In 1991, the theater hosted a production by African-American playwright Robert Alexander, which challenged the work of Harriet Beecher Stowe by examining stereotypes in the cabin of Uncle Tom. If you are interested in experiencing the rich history and culture of African-American arts and theater, then a visit to the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre is a must. You will be able to witness some of the most talented actors and performers in the country, and experience firsthand the enduring legacy of Lorraine Hansberry and her contributions to American theater.
Location: San Francisco
Inception: 1981
Source: Wikimedia