KARAMU HOUSE

Karamu House: translation

Founded in Cleveland by Russell andRowena Jelliffe, graduates of Oberlin College, Karamu (Swahili for "a place of enjoyment for all") House remains the oldest active African American theatre in the United States, although it began its life as a multiracial theatre. Started in 1915, the original facility was destroyed by fire in 1939. A larger space was built and opened after World War II. Initially called the Gilpin Players in honor of noted black actorCharles Gilpin, Karamu House focused its efforts around inner-city black life in Cleveland, presenting an annual season of as many as 11 productions, including straight drama, musicals, and occasional operas. During the 1920s and 1930s, six Langston Hughes plays premiered there.