[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 148 (Friday, November 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2057]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        KUNTU REPERTORY THEATRE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. WILLIAM J. COYNE

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2002

  Mr. COYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call the House's attention to 
an important cultural resource in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
  The Kuntu Repertory Theatre of the University of Pittsburgh's 
Department of Africana Studies has been presenting the works of 
African, African-American, and Caribbean playwrights and poets since 
1974. The Theatre was founded that year by Vernell A. Lillie to 
showcase the works of Rob Penny, the school's playwright in residence, 
as well as those of other authors whose works explore the Black 
experience. It plays an important role in Pittsburgh by providing an 
important voice in the region's cultural mix. In addition, the Kuntu 
Repertory Theatre is the only ongoing African American theater group in 
Pittsburgh; consequently, it provides African American actors, writers 
and technicians with opportunities that might not be available 
elsewhere.
  Over the last 28 years, the KRT has produced more than 80 plays under 
the direction of Dr. Lillie, who has been a faculty member in the 
University of Pittsburgh's Department of Africana Studies since 1972. 
This year marks both Dr. Lillie's 70th birthday and her 30th 
anniversary at the University of Pittsburgh.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 14th 
Congressional District, I want to commend Professor Lillie and the 
members of the Kuntu Repertory Theatre for their important cultural 
contributions and congratulate them as they begin their 28th season of 
high-quality, thought-provoking plays.

                          ____________________