As the Department’s unique forum for arts and ideas, Rites and Reason Theatre’s mission is to develop, produce, and present new creative works that analyze and articulate the phenomenal and universal odyssey of the African Diaspora. Rites and Reason Theatre provides a space for artists and scholars to explore, engage and train in Africana intellectual and cultural traditions. Proudly one of the oldest continuously-running Black theaters in the nation, Rites and Reason Theatre remains a steadfast cultural organization within the local and regional arts and culture ecosystem.
Africana Studies / Rites and Reason Theatre
Rites and Reason Theatre
Rites and Reason Theatre develops and produces new creative works that analyze and articulate the experiences and expressions of the African Diaspora.
Rites and Reason Theatre
Rites and Reason Theatre develops and produces new creative works that analyze and articulate the experiences and expressions of the African Diaspora.
This Year at Rites and Reason Theatre
Introducing Shariffa Ali, Guest Director in Residence
It is with great excitement and profound gratitude that I return to Rites and Reason Theatre this fall. When I first encounter this space and community, I experienced something extraordinary—a sense radical hospitality that welcomed me and my collaborators with open arms and an acceptance that felt immediate and genuine.
Art, I believe, carries the profound responsibility not only to mirror the world as it is but to envision what humanity could become. At Rites and Reason Theatre, this vision is clear: a proposal rooted in generosity, a celebration of expression, and a deep commitment to care. These are the values that we must hold up to the world, and I am deeply honored to be a visiting director this year.
As I bring my lived experiences and my community into this space, I am eager to embark on a journey of learning, building, and growing together. Together, we will continue to cultivate a space where art not only reflects but also transforms.
About Shariffa Ali
Shariffa Ali is an international creative leader committed to advancing radical change through the power of art & activism. She works across disciplines directing and producing plays, virtual reality experiences & film. Originally from Kenya and raised in South Africa, Shariffa has been a New York resident since 2013 where she has worked primarily as a director and administrator.
Introducing Vatic Kuumba, Artist-in-Residence
About Vatic Kuumba
Vatic Astahili Tayari Kuumba [V.A.T.K] (he/him) is an artist, writer, popular educator, and father of three children. Based in Providence, Rhode Island, Vatic aligns his artistic practice and facilitation skills to catalyze movement building for racial and climate justice. Vatic is an Artist-in-Residence with One Nation One Future’s Arts for Everybody Initiative, where he is embedded in Providence’s Chad Brown Public Housing Complex and leads the site-specific multimedia project, Casa Futura.
Rites and Reason Theatre provides a critical, scholarly space to explore the essential creative practices of the Diaspora, while training students to utilize and interpret the performing arts rooted in the cultural traditions and expressions of African descended people around the globe.