American Theatre: Who Owns Culture? Questions & Answers
Okay, here’s a breakdown of the provided text, summarizing the key points and themes:
Main Idea:
The Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) in Pittsburgh is facing the loss of its current building in 2029 and is using this as a catalyst to envision and build a new, 21st-century theatre focused on BIPOC cultural ownership and community empowerment. They see this not as an ending, but as a notable prospect.
Key Points:
Building Loss: KST’s lease on its current building (5941 Penn Ave.) expires in 2029, and there’s no option to renew or purchase.
Symposium as a Starting Point: A recent symposium, “Owning Our Future: A Symposium on BIPOC Institutional Ownership,” sparked the conversation and solidified their vision.
Strategic Direction: Their strategic plan, “Owning Our Future, Thriving Where We Live” (2021), guides their efforts. Vision for the Future KST: They envision a vibrant community hub that goes beyond a customary theatre.This includes:
A community garden
A coffee shop and gallery
Rehearsal studios with amenities like saunas, a gym, acupuncture, and massage – all accessible to the local community.
KST-owned building.
Focus on BIPOC Liberation: The new KST will continue its mission of supporting and centering Black and queer communities.
Location: They are seeking a new home in the East End of Pittsburgh.
Creating a “Home”: The symposium transformed the lobby into a communal space, reflecting their goal of creating a sense of belonging.
Themes:
Cultural Ownership: The central theme is the importance of BIPOC communities owning and controlling their cultural spaces and narratives.
Community Empowerment: The vision for the new KST is deeply rooted in serving and uplifting the local community.
Resilience and opportunity: The loss of the building is framed not as a setback, but as a chance to build something even better.
* Holistic Wellbeing: The inclusion of wellness amenities (saunas, gym, etc.) suggests a commitment to the holistic wellbeing of artists and the community.
In essence, this text is a statement of intent and a call to action, outlining KST’s ambitious plans for the future and its commitment to creating a culturally relevant and empowering space for its community.