By Helen Shaw If you’re looking for free outdoor Shakespeare this summer, the Classical Theater of Harlem’s crowd-pleasing, action-packed, modern-dress production of Shakespeare’s tragedy is an absolute humdinger. Narratively, this Uptown Shakespeare in the Park staging is as clear as Venetian glass, thanks to the director Carl Cofield’s addition of an introductory scene, in which…
The Classical Theatre of Harlem’s poignant outdoor staging of the Bard’s play emphasizes the effects of the tragic protagonist’s war trauma. By Charles Isherwood In an early scene in “Othello” the title character recalls in lush language how his recounting of the daring and dangerous exploits he endured as a warrior transfixed and moved his…
The Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH), the award-winning theater company dedicated to bringing accessible, world-class classical theater to diverse audiences, announced today that its 2026 Uptown Shakespeare in the Park production will be William Shakespeare’s Othello, directed by Carl Cofield. The free outdoor production will take place summer 2026 in Marcus Garvey Park, continuing CTH’s…
The Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) is proud to announce a transformational $1 million grant from the Dale and Deborah Smith Foundation. This major multiyear commitment—$200,000 per year over the next five years—is a restricted grant dedicated to supporting the development of a permanent home for the company. “This $1 million investment is a game-changer…
The Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) is proud to announce the appointment of two distinguished leaders in the arts and culture sector to its Board of Directors: award-winning actor Billy Crudup and renowned arts consultant Duncan M. Webb. Their addition marks a significant moment in CTH’s evolution as it continues to expand its impact and…
Trump’s slashing of millions in National Endowment for the Arts grants has most affected non-profits centering Black, brown and LGBTQ+ communities Gloria Oladipo Summertime at the Upijata Scissor-Tail Swallow Arts Company, an artistic program located on Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota, is usually bustling. The arts community center, created to help combat high youth…
By Carl Cofield. Theatre has always been a mirror reflecting society’s triumphs and tribulations. Yet, for centuries, that mirror has often failed to capture the richness and diversity of all its audiences. The Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) stands as a beacon in the movement to change that narrative, drawing inspiration from Harlem’s cultural legacy…
The Classical Theatre of Harlem Announces 2025 Season and MEMNON Debuting in New York this Summer The Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH), (Producing Artistic Director, Ty Jones) is excited to announce its 2025 season, which promises to be a year of celebration, exploration, and groundbreaking performances. CTH continues its tradition of producing bold, innovative theatre…
The Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) is pleased to announce that we have been awarded a grant of $1M by the Mellon Foundation. This grant will support economic development and community-building work around CTH’s free summer production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Carl Cofield, which will transport audiences into a world of magic and…
Two-time Tony Award Nominee Kara Young, Global Educational Leader Dr. Karen Jackson-Weaver, and Private Equity Veteran Renée Beaumont Join CTH as Trustees The Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) is proud to welcome Tony nominee Kara Young, Dr. Karen Jackson Weaver, and Renée Beaumont to its board of directors. Representing a cross-sector of expertise in the…