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Harrisburg council commends Sankofa African American Theatre Company on 10th anniversary
Summary
Sankofa African American Theatre Company described a decade of local productions, partnerships and paid contracts for actors, and the council issued a proclamation recognizing the company's 10th anniversary and community contributions.
Shariah Ben, the founding executive artistic director of Sankofa African American Theatre Company, told Harrisburg City Council on Feb. 10 that the troupe was borne out of a desire to tell African American stories year-round rather than only in February.
"Sankofa means... go back and get it," Ben said, describing the group's mission to recover, present and teach local Black history. She told council the company incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 2017, staged its first production in 2018 and has employed more than 100 actors during its first decade. Ben said Sankofa intentionally pays its actors and designers and has partnered with local institutions including Open Stage of Harrisburg, the West Shore Symphony and the National Civil War Museum.
Council President Hill read a proclamation commending Sankofa for 10 years of service to Harrisburg and the surrounding region, citing the company's work to reach nearly 10,000 students and adults and its roster of productions that includes Ephraim Slaughter: Freedom's Witness and Black Nativity. Council members and the presenter posed for a photo on the dais following the proclamation.
Ben said Sankofa has outgrown most local venues and is exploring partnerships and city initiatives to secure a permanent space in Harrisburg. "You really get a sense for it when you come to our productions," she said, inviting council and residents to upcoming shows at Gambit Theater.
