WELCOME to the PRPAC...
The presence of The Paul Robeson Performing Arts Company, in the Syracuse/CNY community, fills a void in theatre experience choices, by
giving voice to our own stories and experiences that will educate, create
dialogue and ignite change. Since
1982, The PRPAC
has enhanced the community with rich culture in the performing arts out of the
African American tradition. Today we continue to serve as a cultural
outlet, striving to open the eyes and ears of those who are not aware that our
Black and brown heritage is a major component of our country’s past, present
and future.
The PRPAC stands on the shoulders of this outspoken humanitarian and performer.
Paul Robeson
Exceptional athlete, actor, singer, cultural scholar, author, and political activist.
1920s and 1930s, widely acclaimed actor and one of the most popular concert singers of his time.
One of the first Black actors to play serious roles in the primarily white American theater.
His "Othello" was the longest-running Shakespeare play in Broadway history, nearly three hundred performances.
Equally
well-loved internationally, spoke fifteen languages, performed benefits
throughout the world for causes of social justice.
His outspoken beliefs made him enemies among those trying to maintain the status quo.
Every attempt was made to silence and discredit him, in 1950 his passport was revoked.
He could no longer travel abroad to perform, which was devastating to his career.
His accomplishments remain obscured by the vicious, relentless propaganda.
He believed the famous have a responsibility to fight for justice and peace.
Reorganizing and rebuilding PRPAC have been underway. We are
grateful to the Central New York Community
Foundation for awarding PRPAC a Black Equity & Excellence
grant to support our Preserve and Grow project.
Details to follow, but SAVE YOUR DATE
for the streaming of
PRPAC's "virtual" summer production.
In case you missed it, we encourage you to take time to enjoy "ROBESON & COMPANY COMMUNITY CELEBRATION,” a half-hour, family-friendly "virtual" celebration of PRPAC talent and partners, past and present. We thank YOU for your ongoing support over these 35-plus years.
This project is made possible with funds from NYSCA and the
Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State
Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the
New York State Legislature and administered by CNY Arts.
upcoming events
Sonita L. Surratt
SAVE THE DATE - JULY 9 & 10
"Comb Your Hair (or You'll Look Like a Slave)," written by Leelee Jackson, will be PRPAC's summer production, a virtually staged mini-monologues, movement, music and live talkback!
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In its 39th year,
PRPAC continues to serve as an artistic and cultural outlet for black
and brown performers to tell their stories through their own lens. Our
high quality performances seek to educate, create dialogue and ignite
change, and "Comb Your Hair..." is a perfect fit!
BLACK WOMEN'S HAIR vs AMERICAN SOCIETY
PRPAC is honored that Sonita L. Surratt will be lead director- an award winning classically trained vocalist, playwright, actor, director, sound designer, Artist
in Residence at Purdue University's Black Cultural Center, and a member
of the Stage Directors' and Choreographers' Society. Following
military service, Surratt pursued her theatre passion by obtaining a BA
in Music and an MFA in Theatre from Syracuse University. Her diverse
experience, among many, encompasses opera stages, off Broadway and
touring with Opera in the Hood.