For The Classical Theatre of Harlemthere is nothing more important than the vibrant connection between community and theatre. Founded in 1999, CTH brings the classics directly into the heart of today’s Harlem, uplifting local voices and showcasing the transformative power of heightened language. With their Summer Uptown Shakespeare in the Park, every performance is free, and every person is welcome. The diversity on their stage is a direct reflection of their audience, proving that the stories they tell—no matter how old—belong to everyone.
In this episode, we follow CTH for their summer 2025 production of Memnon, a new take on a once-obscure Greek tragedy. You’ll hear from the bold leadership team of Ty Jones and Carl Cofield, get an inside look into the process of celebrated actress Andrea Patterson, and witness how they bring thousands of New Yorkers together in the shared joy of art, theatre, and community.