Hattiloo Theatre (Hattiloo) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in Memphis, TN founded in
March 2006.
MISSION:To develop a Black
theatre that is accessible, reflective, and relevant of a multicultural
community.
FOUNDING:Founded by Ekundayo Bandele (who named the
theatre after his daughters: Hatti - Hatshepsut, and Loo - Oluremi), a dynamic
board of directors, an experienced advisory board, and art professionals like
Jackie Nichols (Playhouse on the Square) and Robert Bain (Joysmith Gallery),
helped usher Hattiloo into existence. And generous support from donors like the
Jeniam Foundation, Hyde Foundation, and Turley Foundation, and over 150
individuals brought the physical theatre to fruition.
THEATRE:Located at 656 Marshall Avenue in the "Edge"
neighborhood of downtown Memphis (1 block west from Sun Studio on Union
Avenue), Hattiloo has a 66-seat black-box theatre, an entertainment café called
Zoras (named after Harlem Renaissance writer Zora Neal Hurston), and the Queen
Diatta rehearsal room that is used for classes in directing and acting, and as
a meeting place for the in-house writer's forum.
Each annual season Hattiloo produces 7 major
productions, and 6 special performances that highlight the diversity of Black
artistic expression, including music, magic, and dance.
Zoras hosts jazz, neo-soul, and gospel
concerts, spokenword performances, art openings, and serves as an arts
incubator for those that wish to hone their talents before live audiences.
Hattiloo Theatre is committed to deepening
multicultural understanding and delivering a high-quality artistic product to Memphis' community.
OUTREACH:Complimenting its
artistic endeavors, Hattiloo has an assertive social branch, as it aspires to demonstrate to
youth, especially those in under-served neighborhoods and schools, how live-theatre
is a vehicle for expression and a means to chronicle significant events and
achievements. To this end, Hattiloo has partnered with Boys and Girls Clubs of
Greater Memphis and received generous support from United Way's Avron B.
Fogelman Venture Fund, to found Camp Awareness: a month-long, intensive
program, during which children 10-13 years old are exposed to twelve different
disciplines of art, including jazz, culinary art, fine art, and of course,
theatre. After their Camp Awareness experience, each child will be eligible to
participate in quarterly art projects designed to continue their acculturation.
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