Penumbra Theatre Faces a Financial Crisis

St. Paul’s Penumbra Theatre is a small arts organization with a large profile.  One of the few theaters in the nation producing plays that speak to the African-American experience,  Penumbra has provided a home and inspiration for countless actors, playwrights and audience members since its beginning in the mid-70’s.

Now, the theatre faces a financial crisis. 

Penumbra has been forced to take the unusual step of cancelling its Fall season to focus on a drive to raise money for its survival.  With hundreds of nonprofit organizations, Penumbra is promoting Minnesota’s statewide Give To the Max Day.  The theater has also scheduled a series of year-end benefit performances to help reach its goal.

Penumbra Theater founder Lou Bellamy talked with KFAI's Mike Fischbein and Flor Frey on The Morning Blend.