Fri 6/4 @ 12:30PM
Karamu House was founded in 1915 in Cleveland’s Central neighborhood as a place where people from different backgrounds — and most notably, races — could come together. It eventually evolved into a noted center for Black arts, especially theater, now located at East 89th and Central Avenue in the Fairfax neighborhood.
It went through many ups and downs over the years, including the revival of its legendary but by-then amateurish theater in the 2000s by director Terrence Spivey. At the same time, by the time of its 100th anniversary, it was faced with budget deficits, a revoked tax-exempt status and huge staff layoffs, which included Spivey. When Tony Sias, formerly Director of Performing Arts with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, was appointed president/CEO in the fall of 2015, there were a lot of challenges to face.
Sias will be the guest of City Club of Cleveland CEO Dan Moultrop for a a virtual forum called “Beyond the Stage: How Karamu House Is Catalyzing Community and Creativity.” Sias will discuss such topics as how Karamu pivoted to online presentations, how it’s responding to the recent rise in awareness of racism and racial protests and plans going forward such as the creation of a new outdoor stage.
It’s free to listen. If you have questions, tweet @TheCityClub or text 330-541-5794.
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