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Penumbra Theatre has explored and uplifted the experiences of Black America on its stage for almost half a century.  

The small theater was founded in 1976 by Lou Bellamy in the heart of St. Paul’s historic Black neighborhood, but its reach is national. It nurtured the careers of Black artists, including playwright August Wilson, whose play “Fences” was turned into a movie starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis.

Now, Penumbra’s president Sarah Bellamy is expanding on her father’s legacy. Last year the theater received a $5-million grant from MacKenzie Scott 

to build on its work promoting racial equality.

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with members of Penumbra’s leadership team about what it means to become a center for racial healing and what racial healing looks like for themselves and the community.  

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Penumbra Theatre in St. Paul is building on decades of work nurturing Black performers and playwrights to become a center for racial healing. MPR News Host Angela Davis talks with Penumbra president Sarah Bellamy and other members of the leadership team about what this means.   

MPR News with Angela Davis - Penumbra Theatre in St. Paul is building on decades of work nurturing Black performers and playwrights to become a center for racial healing. MPR News Host Angela Davis talks with Penumbra president Sarah Bellamy and other members of the leadership team about what this means.   

Penumbra Theatre takes on new role as center for racial healing

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