THEATER
We make theater with a purpose.
PRESEVING HISTORY
Our plays focus on American history and preserving the history of African Americans.
truth
Media influences behavior. We tell stories that honor our truths.
RESTORING THEATER
In Ancient African societies theater played a vital social role. We elevate the performing artist in our company and seek to reestablish African-centered values in our work.
LIVED HISTORIES
In examining the past, our goal is to understand the historical roots of today’s issues so that we can use theater to address those lived histories.
Our plays aim to accurately represent African American history on stage.
HISTORY
Our plays will educate our audiences on from lesser known perspectives and inspire new ways of being.STORIES THAT EDUCATE & ENTERTAIN
Media is powerful. It influences both our behaviour as a society and how we relate to one another within the African American community. Our stories educate and interrogate without compromising entertainment.
creating characters of African descent
Depictions of African Americans in media are crafted and presented by and for the dominant American perspective which has its roots in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. This history has defined the creation of black characters in popular media. The roles ascribed to black people tend to reflect the history of servitude and ownership of black bodies that defined our existence for hundreds of years.
african traditions
We look to the original purpose of theater as it was on the African continent. We trace the roots of theater to the Pyramid Texts, the Abydos Passion Plays and we study the ancient theater traditions from Mali to South Africa to understand the role of theater as it was originally intended.
Our educational system is fearful of exploring the history of slavery stemming from the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. The acceptance, acknowledgement, analysis and understanding of this history is a precondition for the healing, formation and longevity of the African American community. At Run On Productions, we do this work in the theater.
