Congo Square Theatre Chicago: 5 Shocking New Updates On The 25-Year Legacy, Leadership Crisis, And 2025 Season Turmoil
The Congo Square Theatre Company in Chicago, a foundational pillar of Black storytelling in American theatre, is currently navigating one of the most significant periods of internal turmoil in its 25-year history. As of late December 2024, the company is facing a public rift with its ensemble, the impending departure of its Executive Director, and a highly publicized call for the removal of its Board Chair, all while affirming its commitment to the powerful narratives of the African Diaspora.
The latest updates suggest a critical juncture for the organization, which was founded in 1999 to produce definitive and transformative theatre. The news, which includes the ensemble’s declaration to withdraw from the upcoming 2025 season, has sent shockwaves through the Chicago arts community, raising urgent questions about the future of one of the nation's most celebrated African American theatre companies.
The Leadership and Ensemble at a Crossroads: Key Profiles
The current internal tensions at Congo Square Theatre Chicago center on several key figures who have shaped the company's artistic and administrative direction. Understanding their roles is crucial to grasping the magnitude of the current crisis.
Ericka Ratcliff: Artistic Director Profile
- Role: Artistic Director (Appointed as the fourth AD and the first female in the role).
- Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland.
- Congo Square History: She is an ensemble member of Congo Square Theatre Company.
- Acclaimed Productions: Has programmed critically praised shows for the company, including *Welcome to Matteson* and the Chicago premiere of *What To Send Up When It Goes Down*.
- Other Affiliations: Ensemble member with The House Theatre of Chicago and an artistic associate with Lookingglass Theatre Company.
- Mission Focus: Actively works to amplify the company's mission of celebrating the complexities of the African Diaspora.
Founders and Key Historical Figures
- Founders: Reginald Nelson and Derrick Sanders (Founded in 1999).
- Founding Vision: To tell stories rooted in the African Diaspora and provide a platform for Black actors and actors of color.
- Samuel G. Roberson Jr.: A respected former Artistic Director whose passing in 2017 was a significant loss for the company.
Board and Executive Leadership
- Dawn Reese: The current Board Chair, whose ouster is being publicly demanded by the ensemble.
- Charlique C. Rolle: The Executive Director who has announced her decision to step down from her role, adding to the leadership transition.
The 2025 Season Crisis: Ensemble Withdrawal and Board Turmoil
The most dramatic and critical development to hit the Congo Square Theatre Company in recent memory is the public declaration by its ensemble to withdraw from the entire 2025 season. This move signifies a profound breakdown in trust and communication between the company's artistic core and its administrative leadership.
The ensemble, which is the heart of this ensemble-based company, has taken the extraordinary step of publicly pushing for the removal of board chair Dawn Reese. While the specific, granular details of the grievances remain complex and tied to internal operations, the public stance signals a deep-seated disagreement over the company's direction, governance, and internal culture. The ensemble's action is a powerful, high-stakes attempt to force a change in leadership and affirm the artistic voice within the organization.
Further compounding the leadership vacuum is the news that Executive Director Charlique C. Rolle will be stepping down. This dual-track transition—a public demand for a board chair's removal and the voluntary departure of the ED—places the company in a precarious position as it attempts to move forward with its 2025 programming and maintain its 25-year legacy of artistic excellence. The company is currently launching a national search for a new Executive Director.
A 25-Year Legacy of Groundbreaking Black Theatre
Despite the current internal challenges, the Congo Square Theatre Company’s historical impact on the Chicago and national theatre landscape remains undeniable. Established by Reginald Nelson and Derrick Sanders in 1999, the company quickly cemented its position as one of only two African American Actors' Equity theatre companies in Chicago.
The company’s mission has always been centered on celebrating the complexities of the African Diaspora and pushing the envelope in the telling of diverse stories. This commitment has led to significant recognition and a reputation for producing definitive, transformative works.
Milestone Achievements and Key Productions
- Joseph Jefferson Award: In 2005, Congo Square made history by winning the first Joseph Jefferson Award ever given to an African American theater company for its powerful production of August Wilson's *Seven Guitars*.
- Joyce Awards: The company, along with Artistic Director Ericka Ratcliff, were recipients of the prestigious 2021 Joyce Awards, recognizing their innovative work.
- Recent Acclaim: Their 2024 production, *How I Learned What I Learned* (in association with Goodman Theatre), received recognition in the New Work category at the Jeff Awards, showcasing their continued artistic vitality.
- 2025 Recognition: The company has also been announced as a 2025 Anthem Award Winner and is involved in the announcement of 2025 Creative Impact Awardees, highlighting its ongoing cultural relevance.
The company’s dedication extends beyond the mainstage through programs like the Samuel G. Roberson Jr. Resident Fellowship, which aims to spread its work to Chicago's youth and develop the next generation of Black theatre artists. This commitment to education and mentorship is a critical part of the company's long-term vision.
Navigating the Future: What’s Next for Congo Square
The path forward for Congo Square Theatre Company is fraught with challenges but also represents an opportunity for profound transformation. The ensemble's decision to step away from the 2025 season is a clear demand for structural change, forcing the board to address the core issues of governance and artistic partnership.
The company must now focus on three critical areas: swiftly and transparently addressing the ensemble's concerns, stabilizing the administrative leadership following Charlique C. Rolle's departure, and ensuring the continued financial and artistic viability of its programming. The Chicago theatre community is watching closely, recognizing that the outcome of this internal struggle will not only shape Congo Square’s future but also set a precedent for the governance and artistic integrity of Black theatre institutions nationwide. The hope remains that this period of turmoil will ultimately lead to a stronger, more resilient company dedicated to its original, vital mission.
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