Celebrating 30 Years of AATAT
In the winter of 2020, the African American Theatre Arts Troupe (AATAT) celebrated their 30 anniversary. Pioneered and directed by Don Williams, AATAT has survived at UC Santa Cruz and provided a space for Black actors unlike any other university. Their anniversary celebration virtually hosted alumni, current members, and the campus community to reflect on the history of AATAT and share stories about their time in the organization.
City on a Hill Press dedicated a series to the work of AATAT, Don Williams, and the history behind the organization. Within these articles, readers will find the stories being told by AATAT, and the story unfolding as AATAT looks for another 30 years.
AATAT Articles
“School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play” Preview
In student actor Odeosa Eguavoen’s bedroom is an entire dressing room and stage. With ring lights, mics, webcams, and green screens, Eguavoen and the cast are bringing “School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play” into audience’s homes. Written by Ghanaian-American writer and actor Jocelyn...
African American Theater Arts Troupe Presents 30th Anniversary Gala
African American Theater Arts Troupe (AATAT) founder and director Don Williams wore a proud smile on Feb. 20 as one of his students, August Stevens, softly strummed her guitar singing “A Change Is Gonna Come,” written by Sam Cook in 1964 in support of the...
AATAT Explores the Importance of Black Theatre in Upcoming Workshop: ‘Does Black Theater Matter?’
“Does Black theater matter?” For decades the African American Theater Arts Troupe (AATAT) at UC Santa Cruz has elevated and centered Black roles in the arts. It serves as a springboard for generations of Black alum and students who vie for the opportunity to answer...
Don Williams: How the Movement for Black Theater Came to UCSC 30 Years Ago
Without the talents and efforts of Don Williams, an entire generation of artists may never have had the opportunity to discover and voice their talents. Starting from a young age, Williams’ love of theater sparked a career in creating inclusive and uplifting spaces for Black...
Image gallery from the City on a Hill Press Archives
More from the series...
An Illustrated History of the African American Theater Arts Troupe
1987: Don Williams was hired by UC Santa Cruz for a technical position within the Theater Arts department. At the same time, he mentored THEA 50: Fundamentals of Theater Production, which introduces students to lighting and sound. 1991: AATAT was officially founded under the leadership...
THEA 151A Brings AATAT from the Stage to the Classroom
Without compensation, credit, or attention from the university, the future of the African American Theater Arts Troupe (AATAT) was uncertain when it was founded in 1991. Now, 30 years later, AATAT is at the forefront of theater arts at UC Santa Cruz, as both an...
