Hattiloo Theatre

Address:	37 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104, USA
Phone:	+1 901-525-0009
Site:	hattilootheatre.org
Rating:	4.7

Location

Photos 93

Reviews 15

Kontji Anthony

I had the distinct pleasure of witnessing the ground breaking and grand opening performance at the new Hattiloo Theatre! The venue is not only used for Hattiloos custom-made plays and childrens theatre, its also a prime spot for receptions and community forums. The 11,041 square foot space is centrally located in midtown Memphis Overton Square. It has an open, wall-to-wall-window reception area. According to the building engineering firms website, the main stage setup can be reconfigured depending on need and can seat up to 180 people. The other black box theatre stage, that can seat as many as 58 people, is a cool setup where the seats circle the stage. It gives you an incredibly intimate feel that I havent experienced in other theatre venues. The actual plays can range from the Anansi the Spider childrens play to Hattiloos own rendition of A Christmas Carol: If Scrooge was a Brother. Parking is usually not a problem, as three of the theatres walls are surrounded by a parking lot and nearby paid parking garage. The theatre founder, Ekundayo Bandele, is a transplant from Brooklyn, New York who established Memphis first black repertory company years back, but the theatre relocated to Overton Square in 2013 and opened in 2014, after a $4.3 million capital campaign. Locals feel very strongly about the success of the theatre and put a lot of private money into it. The theatre recently unveiled its H.Y.P.E. (Hattiloo Young Professionals Experience) program to encourage young people to become stakeholders in the theatre. The original theatre had an educational component: Classes for young playwrites, actors, and directors. Fun tidbit: The theatres name is a combination of the founders two daughters nicknames: Hatshepsut Bandele (Hatti) and Oluremi Bandele (Loo.) The theatres original mission statement: "Our mission is to develop a Black theatre that is accessible to, relevant to, and reflective of a multicultural community." Your Memphis experience wouldnt be complete without a visit to Hattiloo.

roeshell robinson

We saw "Simply Simone" and "Mr. Rickey calls a meeting" and both plays were outstanding. The plays started on time and the cast was top notch. Theres plenty of parking in the new garage behind the theatre. Theres not a bad seat in the theatre.

Keeth Rash

Might be the least organized theater in Memphis. Of the five times Ive seen Productions at this theater , none of them started close to the post of time period 3 times the bar was not serving wine even though its on the menu. Not the best at all

Megan Mottley

Saw "The Wiz" and it was phenomenal. Parking wasnt too bad just arrive a few minutes early or just park in the garage for $3. I love that there were snacks & that the cast was available after the show for hugs & photos. Cant wait to go back!

Omolola Ajayi

Awesome, intimate space that showcases some of the best Black talent in the city. Always enjoy my time there.

Joe Spake

Very nice facility in Overton Square. Also available for private functions, which brought us there.

Brent Crenshaw

Really impressed with everything about Hattiloo. You sit so close to the stage its awesome.

Kisten Lenoir

HATTILOO●HATTILOO●HATTILOO●HATTILOO Do Not sleep on The HATILOO! The plays are Riveting!

christina goodman

I loved them. It helped me realized that this city offers so much despite the bad press.

Shirron Knox

Great Family and Community Connections for the City