Rites and Reason Theatre

Rites and Reason was founded in September 1970 by Professor George Houston Bass and became a formal component of the then Program in Afro-American Studies in 1975. It was born out of the Black Arts Movement and student protests at Brown University. It is now part of the Department of Africana Studies. The mission of the theatre is to develop new creative works which analyze and articulate the phenomenal and universal odyssey of the African Diaspora. Rites and Reason developed and uses its unique Research-to-Performance Method (RPM) to develop new creative works. Through this commitment, Rites and Reason has developed creative works that have explored the experiences and expressions of peoples and cultures from across the world. It is one of the oldest continuously producing Black theatres in the nation. <p>This collection contains photographs and videos of performances created by Rites and Reason Theatre.</p>
This collection is part of Brown University Library, hosted by Brown University.

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Items in this collection

William J. Howie, One Day when I was Lost, Rites and Reason Theatre

Caption on verso: William J. Howie appears as Lonnel James, a Vietnam Veteran struggling with his war experiences, in "One Day when I was Lost," a new script-in-progress by L. Teresa Church performing at Rites and Reason Theatre. (April 3-5 and 9-12) Caption on verso: William J. Howie appears as Lonnel James, a Vietnam Veteran struggling with his war experiences, in "One Day when I was Lost," a new script-in-progress by L. Teresa Church performing at Rites and Reason Theatre. (April 3-5 and 9-12) William J. Howie, One Day when I was Lost, Rites and Reason Theatre, University Archives Subject Photographs, 1-Q, Brown University Library Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

William Christian and Akin Babatunde, Malacoff Blue, Rites and Reason Theatre

Caption on verso: Professional actors William Christian (left) and Akin Babatunde appear in "Malacoff Blue," a new play with music by George Houston Bass which portrays the history of a Black Southern family. (May 8-10, 14-17, and 21-24) Caption on verso: Professional actors William Christian (left) and Akin Babatunde appear in "Malacoff Blue," a new play with music by George Houston Bass which portrays the history of a Black Southern family. (May 8-10, 14-17, and 21-24) William Christian and Akin Babatunde, Malacoff Blue, Rites and Reason Theatre, University Archives Subject Photographs, 1-Q, Brown University Library Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

The Providence Garden Blues, Rites and Reason Theatre

Rites and Reason's first research-to-performance production. Several performers wearing various forms of face makeup including white face and black face. Rites and Reason's first research-to-performance production. Several performers wearing various forms of face makeup including white face and black face. The Providence Garden Blues, Rites and Reason Theatre, University Archives Subject Photographs, 1-Q, Brown University Library Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

The Providence Garden Blues, Rites and Reason Theatre

Rites and Reason's first research-to-performance production. Actors in what appears to be computers over their heads, one holding a globe. Rites and Reason's first research-to-performance production. Actors in what appears to be computers over their heads, one holding a globe. The Providence Garden Blues, Rites and Reason Theatre, University Archives Subject Photographs, 1-Q, Brown University Library Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

The Providence Garden Blues, Rites and Reason Theatre

Rites and Reason's first research-to-performance production. Six actors posed on stage with various forms of face makeup including one actor in black face. Rites and Reason's first research-to-performance production. Six actors posed on stage with various forms of face makeup including one actor in black face. The Providence Garden Blues, Rites and Reason Theatre, University Archives Subject Photographs, 1-Q, Brown University Library Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

The Learned Ladies (Molière), Rites and Reason Theatre

A white man in period costume and in a long blonde wig. A white man in period costume and in a long blonde wig. The Learned Ladies (Molière), Rites and Reason Theatre, University Archives Subject Photographs, 1-Q, Brown University Library Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

Rites and Reason Theatre staff and performers going over script for dramatic production.

A man in profile in the forground with three people conferring in the background in what looks like a backstage setting. A man in profile in the forground with three people conferring in the background in what looks like a backstage setting. Rites and Reason Theatre staff and performers going over script for dramatic production., University Archives Subject Photographs, 1-Q, Brown University Library Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

Rites and Reason Theatre performers

Oh Lord, This World" is a statement against war, an anti-violence play. Oh Lord, This World" is a statement against war, an anti-violence play. Rites and Reason Theatre performers, University Archives Subject Photographs, 1-Q, Brown University Library Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

Rites and Reason Theatre

Rites and Reason Theatre, University Archives Subject Photographs, 1-Q, Brown University Library Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

Rites and Reason Theatre

George H. Bass in silhouette. George H. Bass in silhouette. Rites and Reason Theatre, University Archives Subject Photographs, 1-Q, Brown University Library Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

Professor George Bass, Rites and Reason Theatre

George H. Bass talks to the group during a break in rehearsal. George H. Bass talks to the group during a break in rehearsal. Professor George Bass, Rites and Reason Theatre, University Archives Subject Photographs, 1-Q, Brown University Library Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

Lola Hatcher (Brown Class of 1976), Rites and Reason Theatre

Lola Hatcher rehearses her one-woman show "Who's Got Her Own". Lola Hatcher rehearses her one-woman show "Who's Got Her Own". Lola Hatcher (Brown Class of 1976), Rites and Reason Theatre, University Archives Subject Photographs, 1-Q, Brown University Library Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

Lola Hatcher (Brown Class of 1976), Rites and Reason Theatre

A shot of a stage hand while Lola Hatcher rehearses her one-woman show "Who's Got Her Own". A shot of a stage hand while Lola Hatcher rehearses her one-woman show "Who's Got Her Own". Lola Hatcher (Brown Class of 1976), Rites and Reason Theatre, University Archives Subject Photographs, 1-Q, Brown University Library Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

Konvergence, Rites and Reason Theatre

Publicity photograph with the faces of a man and a woman. The man is probably George Bass. Publicity photograph with the faces of a man and a woman. The man is probably George Bass. Konvergence, Rites and Reason Theatre, University Archives Subject Photographs, 1-Q, Brown University Library Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

Konvergence, Rites and Reason Theatre

Publicity photograph with the faces of a man and a woman. The man is probably George Bass. Publicity photograph with the faces of a man and a woman. The man is probably George Bass. Konvergence, Rites and Reason Theatre, University Archives Subject Photographs, 1-Q, Brown University Library Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

John Hope Day Camp workshop, New England Festival, Roger Williams Park, Rites and Reason Theatre

Seven performers in African clothing on stage. Seven performers in African clothing on stage. John Hope Day Camp workshop, New England Festival, Roger Williams Park, Rites and Reason Theatre, University Archives Subject Photographs, 1-Q, Brown University Library Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

J.E. Franklin, Rites and Reason Theatre

Portrait of J. E. Franklin. Rites and Reason produced her play "Where Dewdrops of Mercy Shine Bright" in February 1983. Portrait of J. E. Franklin. Rites and Reason produced her play "Where Dewdrops of Mercy Shine Bright" in February 1983. J.E. Franklin, Rites and Reason Theatre, University Archives Subject Photographs, 1-Q, Brown University Library Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

Informal portrait of George Bass taken during Brer Rabbit, Rites and Reason Theatre

George H. Bass consulting the script. George H. Bass consulting the script. Informal portrait of George Bass taken during Brer Rabbit, Rites and Reason Theatre, University Archives Subject Photographs, 1-Q, Brown University Library Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

George Bass, director, Rites and Reason Theatre

An informal photograph of George H. Bass. An informal photograph of George H. Bass. George Bass, director, Rites and Reason Theatre, University Archives Subject Photographs, 1-Q, Brown University Library Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

George Bass with performers and staff, Rites and Reason Theatre

George H. Bass talks to the group during a break in rehearsal. George H. Bass talks to the group during a break in rehearsal. George Bass with performers and staff, Rites and Reason Theatre, University Archives Subject Photographs, 1-Q, Brown University Library Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

Dramdust set, New England festival, Roger Williams Park, Rites and Reason Theatre

An outdoor performance/exhibit with placards placed in a circle, with people painted on them. An outdoor performance/exhibit with placards placed in a circle, with people painted on them. Dramdust set, New England festival, Roger Williams Park, Rites and Reason Theatre, University Archives Subject Photographs, 1-Q, Brown University Library Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

Dramdust set, New England festival, Roger Williams Park, Rites and Reason Theatre

An outdoor performance/exhibit with placards placed in a circle, with people painted on them. There is a school bus in the background. An outdoor performance/exhibit with placards placed in a circle, with people painted on them. There is a school bus in the background. Dramdust set, New England festival, Roger Williams Park, Rites and Reason Theatre, University Archives Subject Photographs, 1-Q, Brown University Library Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

De Day of No Mo, Rites and Reason Theatre

The opening scene where the souls dance around in gauzy shrouds. The opening scene where the souls dance around in gauzy shrouds. De Day of No Mo, Rites and Reason Theatre, University Archives Subject Photographs, 1-Q, Brown University Library Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)