New Heritage Theatre Group, the oldest Black nonprofit theater company in New York City, was originally established in 1964 under the name New Heritage Repertory Theatre by the late Roger Furman — to preserve and institutionalize classic works of Black theatre.
Roger Furman, was a revered playwright, director, actor and lecturer, who began his career in the 1940s with the American Negro Theatre in Harlem.
In 1983, Voza Rivers, an award winning music and theatre producer took over the company. In 1997, Jamal Joseph, an award winning writer, director, documentary film maker and educator, became the Executive Artistic Director.
Under the leadership of Voza and Jamal, the theatre company expanded its mission, changed its name, and reorganized into three primary production groups:
Productions presented by the groups reflect historical, social and political experiences of African and Latino descendants in America and abroad. New Heritage Theatre Group provides training, exposure and experience to new and emerging artists.
