- Phone : 216-795-7077
- Email : ctix@karamuhouse.org
Karamu 2024 - 2025 Productions
Tickets on sale now! Box Office: 216.795.7077
A broad comedy, but it makes its point by laughing at segregation, not at the people involved in it. The story follows Reverend Purlie Victorious Judson, a Black self-made traveling preacher who returns to his segregated Georgia hometown with a mission to win back his family inheritance. As a Black man, that's a tall order. He has a plan to buy back Big Bethel, the community’s church, so that he can preach freedom to the cotton pickers. The church, like the town, is in the grip of racist tyrant Ol' Cap'n Cotchipee.
A Karamu Classic, Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity is the famed retelling of the Nativity Story, performed using gospel music, dramatic dance and biblical narrative.
After experiencing a profound loss, a grieving mother is held close by a spirited circle of family, neighbors, and friends. Surrounded by laughter, tears, and impromptu dance parties, she makes the slow journey through heartbreak, back to herself. The play explores how the women in the play, including the mother's mom, sister, friend, neighbor, and "church lady", share their stories of pregnancy, children, and loss, and offer different approaches to dealing with the mother's grief.
The Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys is dedicated to the creation of strong, ethical black men. Pharus wants nothing more than to take his rightful place as leader of the school’s legendary gospel choir. In this scene AJ, his roommate talks to him about a recent incident and his desire to sing the school song at graduation. Can Pharus find his way inside the hallowed halls of this institution if he sings in his own key?
Upcoming Events
30-15
Nov-Dec
Black Nativity
- Tickets : Starting at $25
- Date : Nov. 30 - Dec. 15, 2024
- Time : Varies
- Location : Hanna Theatre @ Playhouse Square
Karamu House is one of Cleveland’s greatest treasures and the nation’s jewel. Come and join our family and become a part of our “joyful gathering place.”
TONY F. SIAS
CEO & President
Message From The CEO + President
I came to Karamu in 2015 with the hopes of making a difference. With the help of an exceptional leadership team and staff, an engaged board, and a supportive community, collectively we have done and are doing just that: educating and entertaining, while achieving our mission and striving for our vision. Thank you for being a part of the Karamu Family. If you haven’t joined us, please come, and experience our socially relevant productions, programs, and events. I promise it will be life-changing.
– Welcome!
Mission
To produce professional theatre, provide arts education, and present community programs for all people while honoring the Black experience.
Vision
To be a premier professional theatre producing socially relevant entertainment, while delivering innovative, culturally responsive arts education programs for life-long learners.
Karamu Values
- Inclusion - Valuing diversity within and outside Karamu House.
- Collaboration - Partnering to achieve winning outcomes.
- Integrity - Demonstrating high moral principles.
- Joy - Expressing delight and happiness for our work with community, partners, and each other.
- Excellence - Achieving the highest quality in all we do.
- Impact - Making positive contributions in lives and community.
What We Offer
ARTS EDUCATION
Karamu House provides arts education to hundreds of children and adults each year during the fall, spring and summer semesters.
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Karamu House plays host to a variety of community programs throughout the year that are designed to engage all members of the community while providing arts experiences that honor Black culture.
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KARAMU NEXT-GENERATION
COMING SOON…
VOLUNTEER
Karamu House has been supported by large numbers of dedicated volunteers since its founding in 1915. Opportunities for volunteering as ushers, involvement with education, fundraising, and other projects.
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Karamu Arts Academy
Karamu House has been serving the community for over 100 years! Today, Karamu’s mission is to produce professional theatre, provide arts education, and present programs for all people while honoring the African-American experience.
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Regardless of age, we welcome you to join us for arts education classes that are available for students (Pre-K to 12th grade) to lifelong learners. From dancing to acting to singing to filmmaking to costume design, Karamu Arts Academy has something for everyone.
For course information or to sign up for classes use the button below.
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- L : 2355 East 89th Street Cleveland, OH 44106
- P : 216-795-7070
- E : ctix@karamuhouse.org
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon – Fri : 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Sat - Sun : Closed
Copyright © 2023 Karamu House. All Rights Reserved.
Mark Everett
Karamu Patron