This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Aug. 9, 2013 - The Black Rep boasts that it is the largest professional African-American theater company in the United States. The company was established in 1976 by Ron Himes, back when he was a student at Washington University. In those days, the company was known as the Phoenix Theatre Troupe.
Today, the company is looking for a new home now that the Grand Center organization has sold the Grandel Theater and told Himes he has to leave.
Himes is working to find a place for the company's 2014 season and, in the short term, a place to store all their goods. They have until Aug. 16 to remove everything from the theater, at 3610 Grandel Square.
Through the Public Insight Network, the Beacon asked people throughout the region to share how often they attend Black Rep performances, to explain what the company means to them, why it's important and what suggestions they could offer for finding a new home.
When asked what might be done to help the company reach financial stability, several suggested more government support along with backing from the business world, areas already involved in helping the Black Rep. A list of corporate sponsorsincludes businesses or institutions such as Ameren, Edward Jones, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Kwame Building Group, the Monsanto Fund and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Daniel Hodges, 25, of University City is a graduate student and actor who has performed with the Black Rep in four productions. Most recently, he was The Gatekeeper in 'The Wiz,' which closed the company's 2013 season. Hodges wrote of how vital the company is to his development as an actor.
"I moved to St. Louis two years ago to start (work on) my master's degree. I knew little about St. Louis. I knew no one in the city. I knew nothing about the St. Louis theater community. It is always intimidating to start in a new place, especially as an actor and no one knows who you are.
"I have auditioned for and worked with several theater companies, but Ron Himes and the Black Rep gave me a theater company to call home.
"I am from Sioux Falls, S.D., and I had never performed on stage with another black person before performing in 'Black Nativity' at the Black Rep. It was life changing.
"This company is not only important to young, black actor like myself, it is important to this city at large for numerous reasons. I believe being home to the largest African-American theater company in the country is something this city should be proud of, want to protect and help flourish. A theater company of this nature should be an important part of the cultural fabric of St. Louis, not just because it is important to the diversity and sense of inclusivity for blacks in the arts community, but because it is a long-standing cultural institution.
"Anyone who finds value in the arts, diversity, and cultural inclusiveness with in the St. Louis community should help support this institution."
Following are comments from others. Some of the responses have been edited for length or clarity.
Ashli Bolden, 30, of St. Louis, attends Black Rep performances once in a while.
"It’s a great place to see plays by talented black thespians.
"My family volunteers there a lot. It was the first place I fell in love with 'Dreamgirls.' "
Bolden suggested the company move into another old church. "There is never a bad seat at a church," she wrote.
She endorsed the idea of some form of financial support from state or local government, "because we support the Zoo, the Fox and other forms of art and entertainment."
Joe Hanrahan, 64, of Oakville, is a season-ticket holder for the Black Rep and has worked with the company in several capacities, including marketing director, actor and director.
The Black Rep "is St. Louis' theater. In its history, Ron Himes has presented approximately 200 stories from the African-American experience. These have been vital to our community, and their continued vitality is vital to our civic future."
Hanrahan suggested the Peabody Opera House and the Sun Theater (which is under renovation and set to open in 2014) as possible homes for the Black Rep. He also encouraged financial support from city and state government and from corporations.
"The Black Rep has been an anchor in Grand Center. It was there when there was little else. If it has to move from that neighborhood, there will, tragically, be little diversity there."
Cassandra Gould, 49, of Jefferson City attends Black Rep performances two or more times each season.
"The Black Rep is a jewel in the cultural crown of St. Louis. As a young parent years ago, I sought quality summer programs for my children. The Black Rep filled the bill. It was their favorite. It was one of my favorite outings. I live in Jefferson City now and miss the opportunity to have something of such quality in my midst. I think it is undervalued and under appreciated by the black community. It breaks my heart."
Makiba Foster, 35, of University City is a season-ticket holder for the Black Rep.
"The Black Rep means to me that I can see my life and likeness reflected on the stage. But more so, the Black Rep's productions portray the beauty of the human experience. It means that for six months out of a year I can connect with stories that are not often given a voice in majority theaters, TV, or on the silver screen.
"It has been my experience that only at the Black Rep can I see a diverse representation of our community filling the seats and enjoying a show together. The Black Rep, as a home-grown, cultural institution representing some of the most creative minds of our city, should not have fight for a home and local support. The presence of the Black Rep in its current location helped to build the notoriety of our now-booming theater district and I think it is in poor taste to leave them out in the cold."
She wrote that she would like to see the company’s new home be "something that they own."
"I would like to see more support from local corporations, institutions of higher learning, local foundations as well as national/state/region art councils.
"The Black Rep should stay in its central location. I think the Black Rep best represents the Grand Centers slogan 'the intersection of life and art.' I am a lover of the arts and I support a diverse cross-section of local arts, I want art lovers and potential sponsors to support the Black Rep because they put on quality productions. Finally, the Black Rep also does great work with educational outreach for local schools and libraries."
Jonathan Fenderson, 32, of St. Louis attends attends Black Rep performances two or more times each season.
"Not only is it a cultural landmark for St. Louis, it is a national treasure that Missouri should be investing in. There are very few vibrant theater companies existing in the U.S. anymore. Along with ETA in Chicago, St. Louis' Black Rep is really at the forefront of keeping alive what appears to be a vanishing tradition. I can't stress its importance enough. Years from now, books will be written about the Black Rep and how much of a jewel it was for the city of St. Louis.
"Black Rep doesn't need a new home. It should be able to stay put."
