Photo by the Jasmine BRAND
the Jasmine BRAND@thejasminebrand The Black student theater group founded by Angela Bassett at Yale nearly five decades ago is back on campus after disappearing during the pandemic. Bassett’s son, Slater Vance, helped revive the organization in August alongside co-president Chin Onwu, bringing the historic group back with an expanded focus on both theater and film. Bassett, a Yale graduate and acclaimed actress, founded the Heritage Theater Ensemble in 1979 to create opportunities for Black students in theater. The organization has now been relaunched as the Heritage Production Company. “She originally created this space because when she was here, there were no Black roles, even in the Geffen School of Drama,” Vance said of Bassett. Vance said Bassett was excited about the group’s return. The original ensemble provided a communal space where Black creatives and theater students could perform, develop their work and tell stories reflecting Black experiences. The revamped company plans to produce one film and one play each semester. In spring 2027, the organization is expected to stage John Guare’s “Six Degrees of Separation.” Nearly 70 students are already registered with the Heritage Production Company, according to Yale Connect. Film major Sumaiya Bangura said the group could help strengthen the community for Black filmmakers on campus. “I think there is a lack of Black collective in film,” Bangura said. “I hope the revival of this company can help others re-understand Blackness and create new pieces that can be added to the Black canon.” Vance hopes the organization will spotlight stories tied to the African diaspora while inspiring another generation of Black students to explore theater, film and other creative fields. Will you be supporting these stage productions?
Comments
A preview Instagram ships with the post — 7 of 7 public comments.
@sheis_jocelynking Ugh they just better be a family full of greatness,love to see it🙏🏾🙌🏾🤏🏾
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@bigxthamom She was one of the founders, my mother was also a founding member why not mention them all she didn’t found the group alone
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@nykiemah The way this country is set up, might have to change the name since nothing can be racially identified on most campuses even tho I've only heard stories about black programs/ studies being removed meanwhile there's plenty others that have gone untouched 🙄
@incredeeblyme 👏👏👏👏👏👏Ummmm ain’t no other pages reporting this gossip though
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@pretty1979238 🔥🔥
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@existinginthegray 🤏🤏🤏
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@itskaterryj ❤️❤️❤️