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Sleep Deprivation Chamber
Now through Oct 10th

Penumbra Theatre kicks off its new season with Adam and Adrienne Kennedy’s intense drama, Sleep Deprivation Chamber. Revolving around an African-American college student who was senselessly beaten by police officers and who, upon testifying in court, is accused by the officer of throwing the first punch. Told in an autobiographical format focusing on the mother’s point of view, Sleep Deprivation Chamber tells the tale of a woman fighting for her son at the risk of her own sanity.

For more info on Sleep Deprivation Chamber click HERE.

Black Nativity: Now’s the Time
Nov 26-Dec 26

A rousing romp through contemporary gospel, this holiday musical rejoices in music, family, faith and love. Black Nativity: Now’s the Time brings together an all-star ensemble of the Twin Cities top jazz and gospel singers as well as members of the always-spectacular TU Dance company. Ring in the holiday season with this heartwarming, soulful spectacular!

For more information on Black Nativity: Now’s the Time click HERE.

Julius by Design
Jan 20-Feb 13

Written by Kara Lee Corthron and directed by Penumbra’s fearless leader and creative director, Lou Bellamy, Julius by Design weaves the heartbreaking tale of a couple, Josephine and Laurel, whose teenage son was murdered. As the two struggle to get through each day, Josephine secretly begins writing letters to her son’s killer in prison. A story that defines courage and forgiveness in the aftermath of tragedy.

For more information on Julius by Design click HERE.

I Wish You Love
Apr 21-May 22

This intimate portrait of music legend Nat King Cole tells the inspiring tale of one man whose talent transcended racial boundaries in the 1950s. The dapper crooner paved the way for so many other artists of color to be accepted by the mainstream media in a time when civil rights were not exactly civil. I Wish You Love explores the dreams and beautiful music of one man, and the hope of a nation in racial peril. After its world premiere at the Penumbra, the play will be presented at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.

For more information on I Wish You Love click HERE.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Feb 11-Mar 6

This special Penumbra production staged at the Guthrie Theater follows the tale of blues-woman Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, who, in the attempt to record a hit record with her bandmates, encounters a little competition. A young ingenue enters the scene and threatens to knock Ma Rainey off her pedestal. A soulful play filled with heart-twisting melodies and plenty of attitude, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is a knock-out end to Penumbra’s winning season.

For more information on Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom click HERE.

For more info on Penumbra Theatre in general, and to purchase tickets visit www.penumbratheatre.org.