by Maria James-Thiaw

Today was an extraordinary day in the heart of our creative community! Artists, directors, editors, screenwriters, playwrights, actors, talk show hosts, filmmakers, poets, black-tivists, and visual artists of all hues gathered at 314 Chestnut Street to welcome Frank Henley’s baby into the world. The bundle of joy is named Narcisse Theatre Company, and it happens to be the first Black-owned theatre in Harrisburg. I was pleased as I scanned the room, seeing people from all the local theatres had gathered to celebrate Frank’s accomplishment.

Frank Henley is one of the handful of us black theatre heads in the Harrisburg area and he has a unique style. For one, he says “NO happy endings!” Oh no, this is not one of those Tyler Perry, always-end-with-a-wedding kind of playhouses. Frank is deep and he seeks high art. He takes what’s ordinary and flips it on its side, forcing you to view it from a new perspective.

All of the black playwrights in the area have unique styles, and we all show one another support. I think that is what is so cool about this moment. There is no tug-of-war or backroom tongue flapping here. We aren’t trying to tear one another down. We are trying to rise together.

At a performance of my choreopoem, HairStory: Reclaiming Our Crown, Frank congratulated me and said now ‘we’ have a home for our work- A place to test and workshop pieces, a place to perform, a place to teach our own. He also holds his arms open to allies in the community. I really appreciate his openness and willingness to collaborate.

Who knows how many more babies will be birthed out of the new Black Renaissance growing in Central Pennsylvania? Through Paul Hood’s influence, Sankofa’s teaching, Reclaim Artist Collective’s productions, or Narcisse Theatre Company’s new season lineup, we are all lifted up and celebrated. Our ancestors, our people, and our city are celebrated as well. We are a new collaborative Black Renaissance. Keep rising.