African American Theatre Ensemble
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About AATE
Founded in 1971, the African American Theatre Ensemble (AATE) is committed to producing and performing African American dramatic works. Our membership is consistently a colorful mix of artistic, technical and business-oriented students. We offer experience not only in theatre, but also in marketing, accounting, technical design, fundraising, and event management. All year-round, we present a wide range of performances from plays and musicals to poetry readings, improv shows, and ceremonies. If you are interested in getting involved, you can meet AATE representatives at our first event of the year, The Ritual, which will be held September 23rd, 2009 in the Louis Room at 7:30pm.
Mission Statement
The African-American Theater Ensemble (AATE) is a functional affiliate of For Members Only (FMO), Northwestern University’s Black student union. AATE operates on the Evanston Campus in order to produce theatrical works pertinent to the needs of the African American community.
AATE serves to expose the Northwestern community to the fullest spectrum of theatrical work and interpretation by producing and/or sponsoring African American plays, poetry reading, variety shows, ceremonies and rituals.
AATE seeks to provide a forum where both experienced and amateur performers can participate in productions highlighting the African American experience.
The 2009-2010 Season
The Ritual
The Ritual is an annual production of skits, songs, dance, and poetry. It represents an official welcoming of new and first-year students to the Northwestern black community, and traditionally the show is also a time for the seniors to say their first farewells to the community. It provides a great opportunity to meet returning students, make friends, and announce your presence on campus. We invite you to join us!
Co-Sponsorship with FMO
This Fall we will be holding an event that focuses on the relationship between Art and Politics in the 1960s. The event will begin with a introduction to the topic by a Northwestern faculty member. After the introduction everyone is invited to participate in a hearty discussion.
Cafe Noir I
Dim the lights! Grab some delectable pastries and hot cocoa! Sit back and relax...
This Fall Cafe Noir will feature poetry, solo singers, dancers general merriment, and maybe even YOU!! An open mic section will follow the scheduled portion of the event. Performances will be interspersed with the sounds of old-school Hip-Hop, Soul, R&B, Funk, House, and the current hits! Cafe Noir I is on October 15th and will be held in the Dittmar Art Gallery. Cafe Noir II and III are produced in Winter and Spring.
Winter Main Stage
A drumroll please....introducing "Harlem Duet" by Djanet Sears:
"A rhapsodic blues tragedy...Harlem Duet is the prelude to Shakespeare's "Othello," and his first wife Billie (yes, before Desdemona).
Set in contemporary Harlem at the corner of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X boulevards, the play explores the space where race and sex intersect. Malcolm X once suggested that Martin Luther King's "dream" would turn into a nightmare before it was over. Harlem Duet examines both the dream and the nightmare. Harlem Duet is Billie's story." --Scirocco Drama
Jan. 21-23 at 8 and 11 pm in McCormick.
Out Da' Box
Out Da' Box (ODB) is presented annually in winter quarter. ODB is a sketch comedy show in which all the skits are written and performed by the cast. Many issues, both trivial and controversial, are made into parodies that the audience can sit back and enjoy. Auditions for ODB are usually held during the middle of Fall quarter.
Tribute to Black Men and Tribute to Black Women
The tributes are separate variety shows that are produced every spring quarter to pay "tribute" to black men and women. Tribute to Black Men is an all-female production and Tribute to Black Women is an all-male production. This event is also another way for the senior men and women to say their last farewells to their classmates.
Past Seasons
2008-2009 Mainstage
- Remedy, by Yasmine S. Williams
2007-2008 Mainstage
- Diva Daughter's Dupree, by Kim Yvonne Euell
2006-2007 Mainstage
- The Street Corner, by Aaron Mays
Current Members
2009-2010 Executive Board
- Stacey Nwokeyi, President
- James Brooks, Treasurer
- Camille Edwards, Executive Producer
- Leila Pree, Director of Development and Fundraising
- Leah Bettag, Marketing and Promotions Director
- Marrion Johnson, Historian
- Bailey Lane, Secretary
2009-2010 Directors
- Chris Lyons, Out Da' Box
