From the moment you step into our space, we invite you to see the world through a different lens, to experience stories that challenge, move, and transform. we are breaking barriers and crafting a world where every story is an act of reclamation and revelation.
What Sets Us Apart
All About Us
From the moment you step into our space, we invite you to see the world through a different lens, to experience stories that challenge, move, and transform. we are breaking barriers and crafting a world where every story is an act of reclamation and revelation.
Unleashing the Power of African & Indigenous Storytelling
At Ase Theatre, we are dedicated to facilitating the transformative power of Ritual Poetic Drama within the African Continuum. Through our performances, events, and learning opportunities, we strive to engage and uplift communities, celebrating the potency of the human experience.
Cultural fusion
Where African traditions and contemporary storytelling techniques converge to create unforgettable experiences.
Community
We believe in nurturing unity and our collective strength through the power of storytelling.
Roots of Revolution: The Founding of Ase Theatre
Founded in 2018, by a group of visionary artists including Olisa Enrico, Ebony Arunga, and Felisha Barnes, Ase Theatre emerged from a shared vision to challenge systemic inequities in the arts and a desire to spotlight the narratives of the African diaspora as the heartbeat of our work.
Our founders drew on their personal journeys and professional experiences to create a stage where the ritual and vibrancy of African and Indigenous theatrical practices are deeply integrated through the transformative power of Ritual Poetic Drama within the African Continuum (RPD).
Under Olisa's leadership, we are growing into a cultural cornerstone that celebrates and elevates the voices of Black women and the broader diaspora. She guides us using the principles of RPD, enriching our artistic expressions and deepening the impact of every story we tell.
Testimonials
Hear from individuals and communities impacted by our mission.
"...patient with me yet she always pushes me..."
Ms. Olisa changed my life. She has been so patient with me yet she always pushes me to my limit. Besides music, she’s taught me how to love and be comfortable with myself along with taking care of myself (and vocal chords). I’m so thankful for all she has done for me and it makes me happy to see she’s doing this so hopefully she can help other youth the same way she has helped me.
Ivanna Garza
Testimonial from Youth
"...impressed with her confidence and ability to help the students find their own voice."
I was always impressed with her confidence and ability to help the students find their own voice. She was always able to motivate the high school students. The students loved working with her and she was an inspiration to many of them. We still use many of the exercises she taught us over six years ago.
Russell Odell, Jefferson Mock Trial
Partner Program Coordinator
"... an incredible asset to any environment they enter.."
Each woman is extremely intelligent and invested in their community. Their talents are vast and will be an incredible asset to any environment they enter. They are all so polished and well versed in their craft!
Pamela Yatsuke
Collaborator
"... inspire the minds and open the doors for many people yearning for expression..."
I have participated in either music, theatre, or dance or all of these with these 4 powerful and inspiring woman... It is so important: That it will touch the hearts, inspire the minds and open the doors for many people yearning for expression and a platform for their voices, talents and stories to be cultivated, nurtured and shared.
Christian Sun
Collaborator
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:
Nurturing Traditions that Bind Us
Community:
Strengthening Connections Through Shared Stories
Resilience:
Drawing strength from our history,
Overcoming challenges
Inspiring Performances
Experience the transformative power of our artistic events.
Ase Theatre's mission is to engage and transform communities through the art of storytelling and cultural traditions. We strive to empower every voice, celebrate diversity, and create a world where creativity knows no bounds.
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Mission
Discover the transformative power of storytelling and cultural traditions at Ase Theatre.
Ignite Your Creative Passion with ase theatre
Join us in celebrating the power of storytelling
Behind the Scenes at Ase Theatre
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).
Ritual Poetic Drama within the African Continuum
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.