Jamaica theater company celebrates 50th anniversary

Former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, pictured, is one of the many African-American icons the Black Spectrum Theatre Company plans to honor during its 50th anniversary season. Photo via the National Archives and Records Administration.

By Victoria Merlino

A Jamaica theater company dedicated to showcasing the African-American experience will celebrate its 50th anniversary season of performances starting later this month. 

Black Spectrum Theatre Company, which began in 1970, will present a varied lineup of events and programs to commemorate the season, honoring important African-American historical figures such as astronaut Mae Jemison, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and author Zora Neale Hurston.

“As a Black theatre focused on presenting works for and about people of African descent, it is no small feat to have reached the point where we can celebrate 50 years of serving our community, providing a voice and platform to our artists and telling our stories,” said Black Spectrum Theatre Founder and Executive Producer Carl Clay. 

Since its inception, Black Spectrum has produced over 150 plays, 30 films and a large number of works ranging from dances, to music and performance art, according to its website. 

Additionally, the theater company will host a 50th anniversary gala to celebrate its history and honor performers Louis Gossett Jr., Leslie Uggams, Ben Vereen, as well as Clay, on April 25. Tickets for the gala can be purchased through blackspectrum.com.

The theater’s upcoming events can be viewed at blackspectrum.com/entertainment. Black Spectrum Theatre Company is located at 177-01 Baisley Blvd. in Jamaica.