History

History:

Who is Paul Robeson?
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In 1982, with opportunities for African American actors, dancers, singers, writers, directors, technicians, and audiences were sorely lacking in Syracuse, William H. Rowland II and Roy E. Delemos founded The Paul Robeson Performing Arts Company Inc. (PRpac) in the belief that it would enhance the life of the community with the richness and variety of African American Culture. They named it in honor of Paul Robeson, a multitalented performer and activist whose seamless passion for excellence on the stage, screen, in musical concert, and social justice in society embodied what they hoped to accomplish.

PRPAC’s first production, “An Afro-American Christmas Carol” written and directed by William H. Rowland II, opened in December 1982, at the Hutchings Auditorium in Syracuse. Since that time, the company has shaped itself into a unique cultural, spiritual, and educational asset. In 1985, Rose Bernthal, then Executive Director of the Landmark Theater, invited PRpac to come on board. This ongoing residency at the landmark theater was a landmark creative period for PRpac, it allowed PRPAC to present many memorable Broadway level productions on the main stage. Some of these highlights were as follows;

“A Tribute to Motown” written by Sandra Smokes under the consultation of the director Bill Rowland
Bubbling Brown Sugar
“Aint Mis’ Behavin”
Purlie, Tamborines to Glory
“A Raisin in the Sun”
a multi-cultural “Godspell” cast with the a controversial black Jesus

In 1989 PRpac began a residency with Syracuse University’s Department of African American Studies as one of the community outreach componants. The University provided PRpac with its own rehearsal hall, the Katherine Dunham Room, enabling PRPAC to develop some of the company’s productions and stage performances for small audiences in its own facility when located at 2223 E. Genesee Street. Currently located in a newly renovated facility at 805 E. Genesee Street, in the heart of the cultural corridor. PRPAC has grown into a local institution of international reputation, serving the needs of Syracuse artists--and the need for art in Syracuse--in a variety of complementary ways.

PRPAC’s musical theater productions, including:

The Wiz
From the Cotton Club
Motown
What’s Going On—The Musical Genius of Marvin Gay,

are the company’s most visible works, and they have earned a reputation for excellence that benefits all of its activities. A highlight occurred in 1996 when the company took its Syracuse production of What’s Going On to Trinidad and Tobago for an engagement in the West Indies Republic.

Many types of music figure in PRpac’s multi-faceted programs:

The Gospel Ensemble has lifted its voices for neighborhood audiences on the South Side and in Armory Square and for national audiences in a live performance broadcast from the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Showroom.
The Jazz Ensemble offered monthly “Evenings of Jazz” and is much in demand at festivals.
The Adult Theatre brings community members into collaboration with University and theatrical professionals to mount high-quality theater works, including such recent productions as Thruway Diaries by Cortland playwright Samuel Kelley and The Concert, written & directed by Marcia L. Hagan and Father’s Day by Jackie Warren Moore with creative input by Carlton Grace.
The Dance Ensemble has performed dance works, such Isms and Body, Mind and Spirit, and participates in Robeson musical theater productions.

PRpac’s programs for young people are a special feature of its community involvement. They include The Youth Ensemble & The Gifted & Talented Summer Camp intensive, a unique opportunity for Central New York children to learn and practice stagecraft; an annual summer camp offering workshops in music, drama and creative writing; movement; and stage technology; and field trips to Broadway shows, dance studios, and other cultural venues and events.