In 1976, Lou Bellamy created a trail blazing forum for African-American playwrights, actors and artists in the heart of St. Paul’s Rondo Neighborhood. Penumbra Theatre has gone on to national acclaim, not only for its singular artistic productions and famous alumni such as August Wilson, but for its role as an essential truth-teller in the community.

40 years is a good excuse to rest on your laurels. Penumbra is doing the opposite. Beginning in 2016 our campaigns assert the theatre’s activist pulse on stage and off — from race workshops to debut work by challenging young artists — united by a purpose as powerful as the plays. Our new logo and complete brand overhaul nods to the theatre’s early history while projecting forward.