Penumbra Theater steps into NBC primetime

St. Paul's Penumbra Theater is hoping a feature Monday night on NBC's new national magazine program, "Rock Center with Brian Williams," will raise the profile of African-American performing arts.

Artistic director Lou Bellamy said crews from "Rock Center" have been visiting the company for months to gather material for a 9 p.m. piece that will highlight Penumbra's work, and its impact as the largest African-American theater in the country.

"It's another step in establishing our worth and contribution to the building of a diversified national theatrical tradition in the United States, one that includes everyone," he said.

"Obviously we are doing something right," Bellamy said. "I am glad that this will maybe introduce us to a larger number of people, so that they might use this as a resource as well."

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.