Theatre Director and Producer Ellen Stewart of La MaMa
During my recent visit in New York City, I traveled down to the heart of the East Village Off-Off Broadway Theatre District. I am currently developing a one-man show as dramaturge and director. It’s chosen as one of the official selections of the prestigious The One Fest.
My thoughts were about centering myself, as I walked along West 4th Street, before the audience arrived and the filming began — there was much turning over in my mind. Suddenly I had a flashback as I passed the La MaMa Theatre.
Founding of La MaMa
In 1961, theatre director and producer Ellen Stewart (November 7, 1919 – January 13, 2011) founded the La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club. La MaMa’s goal was to establish a haven for underrepresented artists who experimented with new works. This venue was established to alleviate some of the pressures of the commercial model then existing on Broadway.
In 1989-90, I met Ellen for the first time. I’d come to NYC to lead another iconic Frank Silvera Writers’ Workshop in Harlem on 125th Street. I remember walking down East 4th Street to see a show she had invited me to at La MaMa. She felt this invitation was the best way for us to get to know each other. It was then when I realized that I had been welcomed into the NYC theatre community. What followed, in part from Ellen, was her giving me a clearer understanding of the structures inherent on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off-Broadway. I was learning how productions got to regions where I worked as producer and director of touring companies.
Ellen’s Nurturing Continues through Me
I walked past two storefronts down from La MaMa to enter Teatro Circulo, already anticipating experiencing another joyous day working at that which I love. Feeling Ellen’s blessings, I also knew that I was no longer the new kid on the block. Ellen assisted me at sharpening my directorial skills. And at the same time, assisted me in heightening my nurturing sensibilities that would also ease the way for the next generation of theater artists and production professionals.
I hold Ellen forever in my mind. Again and again I realize that well beyond the boundaries of La MaMa’s, she was one of the leaders who carved out a one block haven for new theatrical works — leaving, for future generations, her ground breaking La MaMa in the East Village. New York City’s Off-Off Broadway scene.
Ellen was all of the legendary stories said about her. She was regarded by many as the iconic Avant Garde Black Theatre Queen, an iconic and eclectic theatre maven … and then some! It was an honor to be seen by her as the new and old kid on the block. We remained good friends until she transitioned in 2011.
To this day, La MaMa maintains an environment of uncensored creative freedom. It’s a venue where artists of diverse backgrounds and identities can develop works that push boundaries. La MaMa is the only original Off-Off-Broadway venue still in operation.
Ashe…Ashe…Ashe…!