Storytelling and Cultural Traditions: Our Journey at Ase Theatre
This is a sanctuary where the art of storytelling and cultural traditions come alive, guided by the tenets of Ritual Poetic Drama within the African Continuum. Our mission is to engage and transform communities, lighting the path toward a world where every voice is empowered, and creativity knows no bounds.
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we are ase theatre
Welcome to Ase Theatre, where you step into your spotlight.
You've navigated through a world where your rich history and the complexity of your stories are too often overshadowed by mainstream tales that don't capture the full range of human emotions and experiences. It's time to move beyond and no longer be sidelined by Eurocentric narratives that make diverse voices invisible and reduce them to tokens. Step into our circle and shine a light on the vibrant spectrum of your experience and heritage.
We see YOU. You're not a character in someone else's story. You are the author of your own. We understand the frustration of being overlooked, of having your voice diluted in a sea of stories that don't reflect your reality. This is your space to be heard, to find your voice, share your story, and celebrate your whole self, unfiltered and unedited.
meet Our ensemble
Get to know the talented artists behind Ase Theatre.
Olisa Enrico
Executive and Artistic Director
Aishe Keita
Co-Artistic Director, Lead Teaching Artist
Mercy Daramola
Associate Director
Ebony Arunga
Founder and Board Member
Felisha Barnes
Founder, Board Member and Teaching Artist
Nichelle Alderson
Board Member
Geneiva Arunga
Teaching Artist
Keisha Garrison
Board Member
Jinji Amen
Board Member, Ensemble Member, Teaching Artist
Erica Merritt
Teaching Artist
Sophia Haddix
Teaching Artist
Inner-G
Teaching Artist
A Reflection of Our Journey:
The Impact of Ase Theatre
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." - Dr. Maya Angelou
At Ase Theatre, we are deeply humbled by the role we play as a cultural touchstone within our community. Our work is guided by a commitment to bring forth the diverse voices and narratives of the African diaspora, challenging traditional perceptions and fostering meaningful dialogue.
Our performances and programs serve as a catalyst for introspection and inspire our audiences to explore complex themes rooted in history and contemporary society. Through shows like Dispersed: The Womxn of Region Six, we celebrate the rich experiences of Black women, using the stage to reflect their strength, resilience, and diversity. This production, along with others, encourages our audience to engage actively, transforming spectators into participants in a shared cultural experience.
Our annual 7x7@7 event exemplifies our commitment to providing a platform for personal stories that resonate deeply with audiences, highlighting the power of narrative to foster understanding and empathy. This event has become a cherished space where women share their triumphs and trials, contributing to a larger tapestry of communal storytelling.
The Gxrlz Act program is particularly close to our hearts, as it empowers young individuals through the arts. Feedback from participants highlights how this program has not only nurtured their artistic talents but also bolstered their self-esteem and personal resilience. They speak of the patience and encouragement they receive, which pushes them to extend their limits and embrace their identities.
Testimonials from our community often mention the small, yet profound, interactions that have a lasting impact—like a reassuring smile from a mentor that transforms a challenging day or the supportive push to replace "I can't" with "I'll try." These moments underline the personal connections at the heart of our mission.
At Ase Theatre, we are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the cultural and personal growth of our community. We continue to learn from each performance and workshop, striving to create an environment where every voice can be heard and every story valued. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to this journey of discovery, inviting everyone to join us in celebrating the legacy and future of the African diaspora.
Our Core Values: Living Our Principles on and off the Stage
Our values are the foundation of everything we do. From the scripts we craft to the performances we bring to life, the personal and professional connections we make, and the workshops we offer—each aspect of our work is infused in our commitment to truly engaging and transforming communities.
Our storytelling isn't just an act. We make a home for a dynamic celebration of each of our distinct, and deep, cultural roots and the magic that unfolds when the unique contributions of each individual comes together.
Every one is encouraged to express themselves, bringing their own perspectives to the work. This is where creativity flourishes freely, we explore new horizons of expression, and build the courage to change our world.
Guiding Principles: Our Foundation for Change
We stand firm on values that celebrate and advocate for community, creativity, and heritage. Each step on our stage is a step towards more inclusive, genuine storytelling that honors our past and crafts our future.
Sankofa: Connecting with our Roots
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Equity:
Ensuring Inclusive Representation
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Authenticity: Embracing Our Experiences
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Transformation: Growing Through Creation
Cultural Legacy
Community
Resilience
Stories of Us, By Us: Black Women's Voices Take Center Stage
We explore and amplify the stories of Black women—stories that forge our identity and direct our future. Our mission stems from a critical awareness: traditional theater often neglects these essential stories. We strive to present these narratives, to root them deeply in the cultural traditions and emotional truths of their origins, utilizing the transformative power of Ritual Poetic Drama within the African Continuum (RPD).
This methodology is not merely an acting technique; it is a vital conduit for reclaiming and articulating cultural stories and identifiers that have historically been pushed to the wings. Through RPD, our performers deeply engage with their roles, exploring and embodying the experiences of their characters in ways that mirror their own life stories. This process transforms each performance into an act of reclamation and revival, turning our stage into a platform for healing and empowerment. Our theater acts as a vibrant community hub where each time we gather builds more than just skills—it tends to the foundations of our connections and nurtures our growth.
Explore your story with ase theatre
Now, it's your turn.
We invite you to move from the shadows into your spotlight, to transform your whispered tales into creative work that captivates and inspires. With us, you don’t just watch a story; you live it. Each script, each rehearsal, and every performance is a step toward personal, professional, and collective growth. We are here to celebrate the strength and beauty in every story that lights up our stage.
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Current opportunities
Discover the transformative power of storytelling and cultural traditions at Ase Theatre.