Memphis, Tennessee
Hattiloo Theatre, a 501(c)3, non-profit organization was founded in 2006. It's named in honor of Ekundayo Bandele’s two daughters: Hatshepsut (Hatti) and Oluremi (Loo). The theatre opened on September 22, 2006 in a small store-front in the Edge District of Memphis, TN.
After eight years operating with a three-person staff, staging eight productions each season, in June 2014, Hattiloo moved from its 75-seat theatre to a newly-constructed facility, debt free, and established a $500K endowment. Also, in 2016, Hattiloo entered into a lease with the City of Memphis and converted an 8,000 square foot head-start school into the Hattiloo Technical Theatre Center. In 2017, the theatre purchased and opened HattiHouse - a residential space for guest artists and interns.
As the only freestanding Black repertory theatre in five surrounding states, Hattiloo has developed a strong regional audience and is known for offering high-quality programming and performances engaging over 5,000 people each year. The artistic vision, programming and successful business model has made Hattiloo a sought-after resource nationwide.