Penumbra

Overview

Penumbra honors the emotional, physical, and spiritual power of Black cultural expression to advance racial healing. We do this through excellent live theater, robust equity programs, and culturally-informed wellness services. Our unique strategy cultivates transformative racial healing through interpersonal belonging and community connectedness.

Founded in 1976, by celebrated scholar, Lou Bellamy, Penumbra is an award-winning organization that nurtures Black art, promotes racial equity, and inspires creative resiliency. Born from the Black Arts Movement and once home to playwright August Wilson, Penumbra stands as Minnesota’s sole Black professional theatre company. The artists and practitioners who call Penumbra home are groundbreaking place-keepers who bolster community through their imagination, fellowship, and wisdom. Situated in the heart of Saint Paul's historic Rondo neighborhood, Penumbra has contributed significantly to the diversification of American theatre, to the leadership development of young activist-artists, and to the employment and skill-building of thousands of Black professionals.


Penumbra garners national acclaim with a remarkable portfolio of nearly 200 plays and over 30 premieres, serving 40,000 patrons and 5,000 students annually.


Our expertise as an innovator of DEI programs is well established – for 20 years clients across sectors have experienced our arts-based equity curriculum. From 2000-2019, Penumbra operated a nationally recognized summer youth leadership program, reaching thousands of teens in the Twin Cities Metro and beyond. In these ways and more, Penumbra has contributed to the well-being of our community by generating healing environments and advancing racial justice.