“Culture is the soul of any community, and art is the expression of that soul. So, if we’re not valuing arts and culture in every neighborhood in Pittsburgh, then we’re not really feeding our soul,” said Kelly Strayhorn Theater Executive Director Joseph Hall.
Kelly Strayhorn Theatre states its mission is to be a home for creative experimentation, community dialogue, and collective action rooted in the liberation of Black and queer people.
“So much of culture in America comes from Black people and from Black residents, and the first devaluing of culture is really the devaluing of the Black home. When we see Black homes being displaced, we’re really seeing culture being displaced,” said Hall.
“When you come into Kelly Strayhorn Theater, you’re coming into a home that values those things, and our programming reflects that.”
In order to support events, there are two venues: Alloy Studios, a cultural hub in the heart of East Liberty, and the historic Kelly Strayhorn Theater, located in the thriving business district.
“Our programming is really working with contemporary artists of today who are tackling sociopolitical issues and issues of identity,” said Hall. He added, “Not all of our performances are going to be kind of the virtuosic beautiful performance, but it’s going to be grappling with kind of the messiness of life of where we are currently as Black folks, as queer folks, as folks who are tapped into what is currently happening in our political climate and again just society in general.”
To make sure everyone can experience the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, they have introduced a “Pay What Moves You” system.
“It provides an opportunity for audiences to choose the ticket level that best fits their budget…it’s kind of an honor system. Select the level that works for you, understanding that art has tremendous value, culture has tremendous value.”
In their upcoming autumn lineup, they will be debuting new programming.
“We are launching our fall season, which is called The Soul of East Liberty, with a company made up of a husband-and-wife duo who are California and Brooklyn based. We’ve commissioned this new work which they will premiere at Kelly Strayhorn,” said Hall. “We have focused primarily on Pittsburgh-based artists, and we’ll continue to do that just as we have, but we’re also known for bringing in great visiting artists that resonate with our community.”
5941 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412.363.3000
kelly-strayhorn.org
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