A Sunbeam

Love, obsession and family are the themes of A Sunbeam written by award-winning playwright, John Henry Redwood, the play takes us into the world of a family torn apart by problems too big to solve on their own. Local artist, Shelley Matthews-Johnson, stars as Celia in a production that moves to a powerful and unforgettable climax. Other cast members include Kenneth Dembo, in the challenging role as Celia’s son Sol, Andrea White, Garfield Wedderburn, Kim Bogus and Jerry Foster. This play is directed by Trish Egan.

About PassinArt

In 1982, PassinArt: A Theatre Company was founded by Michael J. Grant, Clarice Bailey and Connie Carley. They chose the name PassinArt which is based on the African tradition of passing art, cultural and history on from one generation to the next. With that in mind, the three co-founders wanted PassinArt to have a presence in the North/Northeast community, and the Portland Metropolitan area whether the original founders of the company was still living in Portland or not. We were and still are committed to providing opportunities for multi-cultural community members to become actively involved in the development and sustainability of the Company.

Michael J. Grant, Director/Co-Founder of PassinArt, wrote and directed, “Portraits in Black: A Theatre Presentation” in 1986, which was done in conjunction with IFCC to highlight its African American Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition. This exhibit drew diverse community members into the IFCC and introduced many to live theatre for the first time. It was one of PassinArt’s most successful productions. “Portraits in Black” was again produced in 1999 highlighting local and other African Americans in history at IFCC.

By 1987, PassinArt had completed two major theatrical productions; coordinated a multi-cultural art exhibit; developed a Cultural Arts Theatre Program for middle school children; and conducted several theatrical workshops at the IFCC and Portland Public Schools. The Company produced the majority of its’ theatrical performances at the IFCC until 2006.

However, in 1990–91, Mr.Grant relocated out of state; and Ms.Bailey left the Board to obtain her Masters’ Degree and Ph.D. Mr. Grant currently lives in Florida, and Ms. Bailey lives in Philadelphia. In 1996, PassinArt merged with the Inner City Youth Theatre Company, and its co-founders, Jerry Foster and Wanda Walden-Miller who was a part of the very successful “Theatre in Da’ Hood” Program with the presented at IFCC and other locations in North/Northeast Portland.

PassinArt: A Theatre Company is an African American theatre company whose mission is to entertain, educate and inspire artists and audiences while addressing critical issues facing our community. Our goals are to:

1) present quality, yet affordable theatre productions and workshops for African American and multi-cultural adults and youth in the Portland/Metropolitan area.
2) To create a forum for new and experienced local, and regional African-American and multi-cultural to collaborate, develop, and integrate their talents and perfect their skills.
3) To increase the visibility /viability of African American theatre, and artists in Portland and Northwest.

PassinArt: A Theatre Company continues to support the IFCC mission because it closely align with the mission of our company and has provided an important role in our development as a Company and other emerging and experienced artists who have performed at there over the years.