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National Black Theatre

Project status: competition proposal
Location: Harlem, New York

The National Black Theatre is a pioneer in producing theatrical experiences that enhance the cultural identity of African Americans. As one of the oldest Black theatres in the US founded by a Black woman, Dr Barbara Ann Teer, it has served a space in Harlem that gives dignity and celebrates the wisdom found in the Black community. Dr Teer was greatly influenced by the Yoruba people, particularly the goddess Oshun. Oshun is associated with water, purity, fertility, love and sensuality. It was Oshun and Dr Teer herself who served as inspiration for our competition proposal for the interior of theatre. The objective was for the design to communicate wisdom, dignity and the spirituality that coursed through the work of the National Black Theatre. 

The project aims to connect patrons and performers to a deep well of ancient knowledge and spirituality that has guided black people for hundreds of years. The design reimagines the new National Black Theatre as a modern, sacred space for innovative Black theatre. The design consists (metaphorically) of a grove, threshold and shrine as a homage for the sacred shrine that still exists along the Osun River in Osogbo, Nigeria. The main performance areas take their inspiration from the shrine in Osogbo, which features a “grove” in the form of wood-clad spaces. The spaces are for exhibition and entertainment. They also connect indoor and outdoor performance spaces.  The theatre is in direct conversation with the wisdom that comes from West Africa, particularly the griots who have for hundreds of years been the keepers of African knowledge that they pass on orally to the next generation through music, poetry and storytelling.