By Josh Usmani
Kent State University recently announced the appointment of Terrence Spivey — the Artistic Director of Cleveland’s historic Karamu House — as their newest Director-in-Residence. Spivey has been a staple of Karamu House for ten years, and currently serves on the board of trustees for Community Partnership for Arts and Culture (CPAC). At Kent State he will serve as director for works produced through the Department of Pan African Studies’ African Community Theatre (ACT) in collaboration with the School of Theatre and Dance.
Says Spivey, “I am excited to be part of this collaboration between Kent State University’s Pan African Studies African Community Theatre and the School of Theatre and Dance. It’s a perfect platform for future practicum at the historical Karamu House for their students. My vision for ACT is for it to be a collegiate theatre program to be reckoned with in Northeast Ohio and beyond to the highest standards of professionalism.”
These high standards undoubtedly will come from his time at Karamu House. Originally called “Settlement House,” Karamu’s founders — Russell Jelliffe and Rowena Woodham — believed in the highest standards of excellence in the arts, not for the sake of excellence, but because they believed this pursuit of excellence required the greatest demands on individuals to fulfill the promise of their infinite potential.
Spivey certainly knows a thing or two about realizing potential. In 2011, he was honored with a proclamation from Mayor Frank Jackson and a resolution by Coucilwoman Mamie Mitchell for his contributions to the arts locally, regionally and nationally. Originally from Kountze, Texas, Spivey received his degree in Theatre from Prairie View A&M University before spending nearly two decades in New York City. During his time in NYC, he appeared in many productions of various projects and even formed his own theatre company before moving to Cleveland to serve as Artistic Director at Karamu House. He is a member of the prestigious National Theatre Conference and previously served as adjunct professor at Kent State.
Dr. Amoaba Gooden, Chair of Kent State’s Department of Pan-African Studies, states, “The Department of Pan-African Studies is pleased to have Mr. Terrence Spivey join us as Director-in-Residence for the 2013-2014 academic year. Mr. Spivey’s residency will reinvigorate our theatre program and assist the Department with reestablishing connections with KSU’s surrounding community while providing an opportunity for many to experience innovative and diverse artistic talents that gives expression to the Black World experience.”
His first project at Kent will be to direct the Fall 2013 production of No Niggers, No Jews, No Dogs written by John Henry Redwood. The production will run from Fri 11/22 – Sun 12/1 in Ritchie Hall at KSU. The play revolves around the Cheeks family of Halifax, NC in 1949. The title refers to real, unbelievably common signs posted in the region during that era. The play examines prejudice and one’s transcendence beyond it.
Cynthia Stillings, the Director of KSU’s School of Theatre and Dance, says, “The School of Theatre and Dance is excited that Pan-African Studies has invited Terrence to join them as Director-in-Residence. The University is very fortunate to have an artist that is recognized nationally for his outstanding work in theatre. Students will benefit greatly from working with Mr. Spivey!”
The African Community Theatre was established in 1970 to bring awareness and appreciation of the experiences of African Americans through theatrical performance. ACT and Karamu House have always been open and welcoming to members of the community regardless of gender, sexuality, race, class and/or ethnicity. This partnership is sure to benefit Karamu and Kent State, but most importantly the students who will be introduced to high standards as both artists and human beings. This is a very exciting opportunity for everyone involved.
Don’t miss the performances at ACT this season. No Niggers, No Jews, No Dogs runs November 21-24st and December 5-8th.
Josh Usmani is a 27 year old local artist, curator and writer. Since 2008, his work has been featured in over 50 local and regional exhibitions.
One Response to “Karamu’s Terrence Spivey Becomes Newest Director-in-Residence @ KSU”
Deborah Lake Fortson
I’m trying to reach Terrence Spivey to say Congratulations! and to get in touch again. The last time I saw Terrence was at
Karamu House when he produced my play BODY & SOLD — a wonderful production.
Would like to get in touch again.
email me at tempest@rtcn.com.
All the best —
Deborah