The Brownstein Residency for Artistic Innovation links notable visiting artists to the Penn and Philadelphia communities with a focus on interdisciplinary work and experiences for broad audiences. The 22/23 season Brownstein Artist-in-Residence is the Negro Ensemble Company, a New York City mainstay and “arguably the most successful Black theatre group in the world.” (American Theatre) This exciting residency features a one-act play festival as well as the world premiere of Mecca is Burning, a commissioned play juxtaposing 1960s protest poetry with our current social climate. With the addition of school-day matinees for high schoolers, regular visits to campus classrooms and community outreach activities, this residency elevates meaningful and thought-provoking conversations on the monumental role of Black artists in shaping art and culture in our country.
Oct 8 | Our Voices, Our Time: One-Act Play Festival
Philadelphia’s legendary hip hop choreographer, Rennie Harris, finds a home base in this 22/23 season residency. With technical support from our Accelerator Program, Harris’ Puremovement will re-mount his most celebrated work, Rome & Jewels, a hip-hop-meets-Shakespeare journey through the streets of Philadelphia, kicking off a tour in celebration of the company’s 30th anniversary. Beyond the debut of this groundbreaking production, the residency will include co-curricular events on campus, a school-day matinee and outreach with West Philadelphia schools.
Dec 9-10 | Rennie Harris Puremovement: Rome & Jewels
