THEATRE + COMEDY

The Ensemble Theatre presents  two Black Box Mini Shows as part of The Ensemble Theatre Arena Series.  The first in this series is Hi-Hat Hattie: The Story of Hattie McDaniel, by Larry Parr. Directed by Bebe Wilson. PG/ Comedy/ Drama, in the Audrey Lawson Arena (Black Box). Running May 1 – May 8, 2011; Opening Night Media Reception May 5, 2011.

Hattie McDaniel was the first African-American to win an Academy Award for her portrayal of Mammy in “Gone With The Wind” and has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: one for radio and one for film. She was subsequently attacked by the NAACP and members of her own race for "selling out" and helping to perpetuate stereotypes.

In spite of her adversities she carried on as a member of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority and served as Chairman of the Negro Division of the Hollywood Victory Committee that provided entertainment to troops during World War II. It is her life, a musical biography, told from her perspective, and for the first time, we can understand her plight.

The Ensemble Theatre was founded in 1976 by the late George Hawkins to preserve African American artistic expression and to enlighten, entertain, and enrich a diverse community. The theatre is known as the only professional theatre in its region dedicated to the production of works portraying the African-American experience. In addition to being the oldest and largest professional African-American theatre in the Southwest, it also holds the distinction of being one of the nation's largest African-American theatres that owns and operates its facility with an in-house production team. Board President Emeritus Audrey Lawson led the capital campaign for The Ensemble’s $4.5 million building renovations that concluded in 1997.

The Ensemble Theatre produces a main stage season of contemporary and classic works devoted to the portrayal of the African American experience by local and national playwrights and artists. The theatre’s Performing Arts Education program provides educational workshops, Artist-in-Residence experiences and live performances for students both off-site and at the theatre. Through its varied programs, The Ensemble Theatre benefits an audience and artistic constituency of approximately 65,000 people annually.

A collaborative relationship with the Houston Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) and the Museum of Cultural Arts Houston (MOCAH), as well as, artists John Biggers, Ted Ellis, and Charles Washington has allowed The Ensemble Theatre to expose audiences to some of Houston’s visual arts within the season brochure.

“An extension of visual artistic expression will be spotlighted in our season brochure with images we feel embody the essence of each production,” says Morris. “I appreciate having the opportunity to work with other artists and arts organizations to provide unique experiences for our patrons and subscribers.”

Pictured:  Hattie McDaniel.