Lou Bellamy is a prominent member in the local arts community for over four decades as a theater founder, educator, actor, director, and currently as Emeritus of Penumbra Theatre. His work has been a powerful force in bringing voice of the Black experience to the stage.

Born March 10th, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois, Bellamy would move to St. Paul, Minnesota and graduate from Central Highschool in 1962. He then attended University of Minnesota, Mankato, followed by University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, where he would later teach at the theater and dance department from 1979-2011.

In 1976, Bellamy founded The Penumbra Theatre, in the same St. Paul neighborhood in which he grew up. The theater dedicated itself to the dramatic exploration of the African American experience. As artistic director, Bellamy produced 39 world premieres. Penumbra produced August Wilson’s first professional production, and more of Mr. Wilson’s plays than any other theater in the world. Penumbra has been recognized as the largest African American theater in the country.

Along with his leadership role at Penumbra, Bellamy would direct for numerous other organizations, including The Guthrie Theater, Arizona Theatre Company, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Signature Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Cleveland Play House, Indiana Repertory Theatre, The Kennedy Center, and Hartford Stage Company.

Bellamy has won numerous awards for his achievements and stewardship of African American arts in our community and throughout the country.

More recent Bellamy audio highlights of can be found at the MPR News homepage https://www.mprnews.org/