The KUUMBA Players, a Washington-based community theatre group, seeks to address issues of social conscience through performances by artists from the Washington area.
Mission
The KUUMBA Players are a welcoming community theatre based at All Souls Church that explores universal themes including justice, equity, compassion, and truth through various theatre modalities. Our goals are:
* To serve and strengthen the communities of All Souls Church and the DC Metro area by providing opportunities for members and friends to participate in the theatrical experience.
* To illuminate the human experience through theatre that addresses both contemporary issues and universal themes.
* To serve as a welcoming community for people of all walks of life, every race, creed and lifestyle.
* To provide an atmosphere of respect and mutual appreciation among artists.
* To create thought-provoking, enriching and high-quality productions.
History
The KUUMBA Players formed in 2001 to give expression to the social justice concerns of the community through transforming theatre. The Players were named after the Swahili word “KUUMBA,” meaning to serve your community through creativity, which exemplifies the mission and goals of the group.
Pulling from both the congregation of All Souls Church and the richly talented local community of DC artists, the KUUMBA Players have produced large scale productions, staged readings, an innovative speech series, playback workshops and more!
Production History
Spring 2008
The Exonerated
By Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen
Directed by Gregory Ford
“This is the place for thoughts
that do not end in concreteness.
It is necessary to be curious,
and dangerous to dwell here;
to wonder why and how and when is dangerous
- but that’s how we get out of this hole.
It is not easy to be a poet here.
Yet I sing.
We sing.”
The Exonerated follows the true stories of six people exonerated from death row as they struggle to make sense of their lives in the face of extreme injustice. Raw, funny, brutally honest and distinctly human, the six voices of The Exonerated guided audiences on an intimate journey through America’s justice system.
To learn more about the the death penalty and the history of The Exonerated, visit The Life After Exoneration Program, the Death Penalty Information Center, The Innocence Project, the website of Delbert Tibbs, whose story is told in The Exonerated, and listen to an audio interview by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen.
Spring 2007
Purlie
Music by Gary Geld, Lyrics by Peter Udell
Book by Ossie Davis, Philip Rose and Peter Udell.
Based on the play “Purlie Victorious” by Ossie Davis.
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Purlie the musical opened on Broadway in 1970 to audiences that were thrilled to see music and comedy used to expose the injustices of segregation. In the 2007 revival, the KUUMBA Players hoped that the beloved music of Gary Geld and Peter Udell combined with humor and social satire of Ossie Davis will inspire our modern audience to reflect on how far we’ve come and what work still needs to be done to undo the damaging legacy of segregation. | ||
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Professional photography provided by Mark Hemhauser
During the production run, the KUUMBA Players exhibited a timeline of segregation entitled “From Civil Wrongs to Civil Rights,” which highlighted the development of segregation and its continued effects on the Washington, DC community. Audience members received the Purlie Discussion Guide, developed by Dr. Jenice View, with historical information about segregation, thoughtful questions about the themes raised by the play, and additional educational resources. The Players also hosted “What Mask Do You Wear?” an interactive exploration of the lingering effects of segregation and racism on our lives in the 21st Century.
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Spring 2006 Fall 2005 Summer 2005 Spring 2005 Beyond Soundbytes- A Spiritual Odyssey: Fall 2004 Spring 2004 Spring 2003 Fall 2002 |
 We Are, 2006
Save The Humans, 2005
The Stream, 2005 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does KUUMBA mean?
“KUUMBA” is a Swahili word meaning to serve one’s community through creativity. It is one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa and exemplifies the mission and goals of the group.
How can I become a member of KUUMBA?
Anyone can become a member of the KUUMBA Players. We’re always looking for actors, technical crew, ushers, and the like. And the great thing about Community Theatre is that you don’t need any previous experience to participate. Auditions are open to all and production roles are often filled by newbies. If you’d like to participate, come on out to auditions or contact a member of the Steering Committee.
Although you can participate at any time, you will only be considered a true KUUMBA Player when you’ve participated in at least one KUUMBA-sponsored activity per season.
What can I do to help out if I’m not ready to act in a play?
There are many behind the scene roles that are vital to the success of each show. Most productions call for a stage manager, set designer, prop master, costume designer, house manager and many other roles that will put you in the thick of all the action.
If you would like to lend a hand but cannot commit to a regular production schedule, we would still appreciate help with ushering and set construction. Please contact us so that we can discuss opportunities for upcoming productions.
How can I support KUUMBA by financially contributing this season?
We have four levels in our Celestial Circle of sponsorship:
* Footlights - Sponsors of $25 - $49 - Name printed in program
* Key lights - Sponsors of $50 - $99 - Name printed in program, One Free Ticket
* Spotlights - Sponsors of $100 - $249 - Name printed in program, Two Free Tickets
* Heavens - Sponsors of $250 and up - Name Printed in Program at all 2007-2008 Events, Four Free Tickets
You can print out and submit the Celestial Circle form to become a member of the Celestial Circle. Checks can be made out to All Souls Church with “KUUMBA Players” on memo line.
Advertising with KUUMBA Players
How can I advertise my business in the program of an upcoming KUUMBA production?
You can contact the producer of the upcoming production by sending an email to the “contact us” link or by calling Anna Hargrave at (301-996-1533). Or complete the Advertising Form and send it in!
Who decides which plays will be produced?
The KUUMBA steering committee accepts submissions throughout the year and votes on the upcoming season. Once a play is selected, directors and producers are interviewed and the season is announced. Aspiring directors/producers are encouraged apply for a specified role in conjunction with a play submission for the coming year.
How can I become a member of the Steering Committee?
We’re new so, as yet, there are no term limits - but we’re always looking for new leadership. If you have the vision and energy to help KUUMBA succeed, please talk to one of us about becoming a member of the Steering Committee.
How can I receive regular updates about the KUUMBA Players?
Sign up for our e-mail list by visiting http://lists.all-souls.org/listinfo/kuumba-players.
Contact Us
The Steering Committee Members:
Elizabeth Andrews: elizabeth.andrewsdc at gmail.com
Judith Bauer: JBauer2939 at aol.com
Gregory Ford: ford_gregory at hotmail.com
Anna Hargrave: annaharg at aol.com
Lenard Starks: starks.lenard at dol.gov
Ben Zitelli: bzitelli at landdesign.com