Written by Isaiah Woods-Kolsky and Safaya Smallwood

_{Photo of Freedom Theatre building and its historical marker.}

The Freedom Theatre was established in 1966 and is known for providing world-class productions rooted in the African American tradition. Located on 1345 N. Broad Street, the building spans an entire block and is three stories high. The theatre has mounted several hundred productions as well as taught tens of thousands of students in their educational programs in its 50-year history, making it Pennsylvania’s oldest African­ American theatrical institution. 

The original townhouse was built in 1853 for a brewer, however, it was bought by the very prominent Shakespearean actor Edwin Forrest. According to the Freedom Theatre’s website, Forrest gained international fame and was even the nation’s highest-paid actor which was tarnished due to his public divorce and a dangerous rivalry with another actor. Forrest died in his own home in 1872. The house was then put up on the National Registrar of Historic Places. Eight years later in 1880, the building was bought by the Philadelphia School of Design for Women (PSDW). While used by the institution an addition to the rear of the house was built as studio space. PSDW owned the building until 1960. Between 1960 and 1968 the building was used by a local dance company.

_{The historic Edwin Forrest Mansion.}

In 1966, the theatre was founded by John E. Allen Jr. For two years, the organization operated out of a storefront in North Philadelphia. In 1968, Allen and Robert E. Leslie Sr., one of the co-founders, bought the building on N. Broad St. as a theatre space. Since then the organization has sought to serve the Black community of Philadelphia. In addition to having plays, the organization gives out professional instruction in acting and production. Some notable actors who have come from the theatre include Leslie Odom Jr. from the original Hamilton on Broadway and Erika Alexander from The Cosby Show. 

The theatre’s mission is, “dedicated to achieving artistic excellence in professional theatre and performing arts training for the enrichment of the community.” The Freedom Theatre makes plays that tell stories and address issues that African Americans face in the surrounding community and in the nation. In 2016, the theatre debuted the Ballad of Trayvon Martin which portrayed Trayvon’s life, legacy, and influence on the Black Lives Matter movement. The theatre also produces places about Black Nativity, mixing African music with gospel music to create an African holiday musical.

While finding much success, the theatre has been struggling in recent times. In 2018, extreme winter weather froze and snapped pipes which led to water cascading down the front and back ends of the building. The theatre was forced to close, and production teams and dance troupes went to other theaters to perform. The theatre went into debt, however, Sandra Norris Haughton, the executive producing director at the time helped keep the business alive retiring almost $6 million of debt. Recent gentrification and the expansion of Temple University have made it hard for the organization to maintain a voice in the community. A WHYY articles references Haughton who states that, “It’s really important for cities with a rich historic aspect to really preserve and maintain their historic footprint, because once it’s gone, it’s gone.” Notably in 1991, the theatre received its own historical marker by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. The Freedom Theatre continues to persevere through these struggles with its theatrical performances, portrayals, and representation of African American history.

_{Early Photograph of the Freedom Theatre.}

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Bibliography

Blumgart, Jake. “Freedom Theater’s Venerable Home Struggles to Rebound from a Very Wet Season.” WHYY. 2018.

Brache, Catherine. “New Freedom Theatre.” Center for the Preservation of Civil Rights Sites. 2021.

“New Freedom Theatre.” New Freedom Theatre.