The PassinArt theater is the oldest continuously operating Black theater in Oregon. This undated production photo provided by PassinArt captures a musical number from "Black Nativity," which it mounts annually.
Courtesy of PassinArt
PassinArt began in 1982 and is the oldest continuously operating Black theater in Oregon.
Based in Portland, its mission is to “entertain, educate, and inspire artists and audiences while addressing critical issues facing our community.” The name is a nod to its vision of passing on art, history and culture from one generation to another.
The company doesn’t just mount full-scale theatrical productions; it also holds free monthly readings, festivals of new works and other events.
And this weekend, PassinArt is inviting the whole Portland community to its Open House & Block Party. Artistic Director Jerry Foster says they want to introduce people to the new headquarters at the Albina Arts Center on Northeast Killingsworth Street, along with all the different kinds of work PassinArt offers.
We talk with Foster to learn about the kinds of plays the company stages, the new work it supports and the community events it hosts.
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