Karamu House facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Karamu House
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Karamu House
Location in Ohio
Location	Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Built	-1915 (as Settlement House) -1941 (renamed as Karamu House)
Architectural style	Moderne [1]
MPS	Black History TR [2] [3]
NRHP reference No.	82001368
Added to NRHP	December 17, 1982

Karamu House is a very special place in Cleveland, Ohio. It's the oldest Black theater in the United States, first opening its doors in 1915. Many famous plays by the writer Langston Hughes were first shown here.

The History of Karamu House

How Karamu House Started

In 1915, a couple named Russell and Rowena Woodham Jelliffe started a place called The Neighborhood Association. They had just graduated from Oberlin College in Ohio. Their goal was to create a place where people of all backgrounds could come together. They soon found that art, like plays, was a great way to connect everyone. So, in 1917, they began putting on plays at what they called the "Playhouse Settlement."

A Welcoming Place for Everyone

In the 1920s, many African Americans moved to Cleveland from the Southern United States. The Jelliffes made sure that everyone was welcome at their settlement, no matter their race. They believed in the idea from the United States Declaration of Independence: "all men are created equal." The Playhouse Settlement quickly became a popular spot for talented African American artists. Actors, dancers, printmakers, and writers all found a place to practice their skills. Karamu House also played a part in the Harlem Renaissance, a time when Black art and culture thrived. Langston Hughes, a famous writer, spent time there.

Becoming Karamu House

Because of the strong influence of Black culture and artists, the Playhouse Settlement officially changed its name in 1941. It became Karamu House. The word "Karamu" comes from the Kiswahili language and means "a place of joyful gathering."

Karamu House became known for helping Black actors grow their talents. Other theater directors would even come to Karamu to find actors for their own shows.

Important Plays and Revival

In 1931, Langston Hughes and another writer, Zora Neale Hurston, planned to produce their play Mule Bone at Karamu. However, they had a disagreement. Years later, in 1996–1997, Karamu House finally presented Mule Bone as its season finale. The show was very popular and helped Karamu House become a strong and successful theater again.

From 2003 to 2016, Terrence Spivey was the artistic director. Today, Tony F. Sias is the CEO and President, and Aseelah Shareef is the COO and Vice President.

Modern Updates and Renovations

Making Karamu House Even Better

From 2017 to 2021, Karamu House went through a big renovation project. This project cost $14.5 million and was led by Robert P. Madison International, Ohio's first architectural firm owned by an African American. The updates included a new look for the street, a bistro (a small restaurant), a patio, and an outdoor stage. The Arena Theater, lobby, and dressing rooms also got new improvements.

Phases of Renovation

The renovations happened in three main parts:

• Phase I: The 195-seat Jelliffe Theatre was redesigned. It received a new roof, lobby, seating, lighting, and better access for wheelchairs.
• Phase II: A new lobby, gift shop, and art gallery were added. The Arena Theatre and cafe were also redesigned.
• Phase III: An outdoor stage area, patio, cafe, and new street design were added.

Karamu House Timeline

What Karamu House Stands For

Karamu House's main goal is to "produce professional theatre, provide arts education and present community programs for all people while honoring the Black experience." It aims to be a place where people from different backgrounds can come together through art. Recently, the mission was updated to use the word "Black" instead of "African-American" to include the experiences of Black people from all over the world.

Langston Hughes and Karamu House

Langston Hughes had a very special connection with Karamu Theatre. The years from 1936 to 1939 are even called the "Hughes Era." Hughes grew up in Cleveland and attended programs at Karamu. Even after he moved away, he stayed in touch with the director, Rowena Jelliffe. The Gilpin Players, a theater group at Karamu, performed many of his plays. This included the first performances of When the Jack Hollars (1936) and Troubled Island (1936). Hughes once said he would be happy to help Karamu by giving talks or readings to raise money.

Hughes believed that a Black theater should perform plays by and about Black people. He also thought it should create plays that connect with the community it serves. He felt it was important for such a theater to not be afraid to show folk plays about everyday people.

Throughout his life, Hughes continued to write short, funny plays for theater programs.

Recent Programs and Events

Karamu House offers many art experiences for people of all ages. It has three main program areas:

• The Early Childhood Development Center
• The Center of Arts and Education
• The Karamu Performing Arts Theatre

In 2020, Karamu House presented Freedom on Juneteenth. This event celebrated Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865.

Awards and Recognition

Karamu House has received many important awards:

• On December 17, 1982, Karamu was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
• It also received an Ohio Historical Marker on June 16, 2003.
• In 2005, Karamu received the "Theater Longevity Award" from the National Black Theater Festival.
• In 2019, American Theater Magazine called Karamu House "one of the most overlooked success stories in our field."
• In 2022, Karamu received "The Doors of the Theater are Open" Award from "The Awards" (formerly known as the Antonyo's) by Broadway Black.
• In 2023, Midwest Living magazine named Karamu the "Best Theater in the Midwest".

Famous People from Karamu House

Many talented people have been part of Karamu House over the years.

Actors

• Bill Cobbs (born 1934) - a well-known actor in movies, TV, and theater.
• Minnie Gentry (1915–1993) - an actress who performed on Broadway, in movies, and on TV.
• Robert Guillaume (1927 - 2017) - a famous actor known for his roles in the TV shows Soap and Benson.
• Margaret Ford-Taylor (born January 6) - an actress, writer, and director who has been nominated for two Emmy Awards.
• Dick Latessa (1929–2016) - an actor who won a Tony Award in 2003 for his role in the musical Hairspray.
• Ron O'Neal (1937–2004) - an actor, film director, and writer.
• Al Kirk - a Broadway and film actor.
• Dave Connell - a Broadway and film actor.
• Vaness Bell-Calloway (born 1956) - performed in Karamu's theater and dance programs before joining the Broadway musical Dream Girls.
• Reyno Crayton (born 1952) - performed in many Karamu House productions and won awards for his acting.

Visual Artists

• Charles L. Sallée Jr. (1913-2006) - a printmaker, painter, and muralist who also worked as an interior designer.
• William E. Smith (1913-1997) - a printmaker, painter, and sign designer who also taught art.