Thea Bowman Theater Dedication June 1st

In the back yard of what once was a nunnery in 1876 at Peralta and 10th just threeblocks from the Oakland West Bart Station, members of the surrounding community have built a truly beautiful stage to perform and teach dramatic arts and share those gifts with youth. The opening show is a review of the highlights of the life of the famous nun of color, Thea Bowman. The stage is being dedicated to Thea in a special celebrative performance of the Thea Bowman Story on Sunday, June 1 from 1-1:30 pm, before the 2pm matinee.

Thea was a strong and caring woman who dedicated her life to making a difference for all the people she touched. Ayo Pele Nzinga will portray Thea through several stages of her life. Ayo, who has earned her masters degree in dramatic arts and writing, has collaborated with singer Mechelle LaChaux and pianist Rudi Mwongozi to put sweet music in the air and light in the heart of listeners under the towering 100-foot trees. CDs of their wonderful music will be available for $15. After the final show on June 8, the program opens to youth to learn Shakespeare for the first annual performance, in October, of Shakespeare in the Yard.