Hattiloo Theatre — Attraction in Memphis

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 Hattiloo's custom-made plays and children's theatre, it's 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 firm's 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 haven't experienced in other theatre venues.

The actual plays can range from the Anansi the Spider children's play to Hattiloo's own rendition of A Christmas Carol: If Scrooge was a Brother.

Parking is usually not a problem, as three of the theatre's 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 theatre's name is a combination of the founder's two daughters' nicknames: Hatshepsut Bandele (Hatti) and Oluremi Bandele (Loo.)

The theatre's 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 wouldn't be complete without a visit...

While visiting Memphis, I scheduled a play via online ticketing. The theater offers several prices for seating. My spouse and I purchased the most costly tickets, hoping for the perfect up close seats for viewing. Upon arrival, we received our tickets but before proceeding into the play, we inquired about the difference in seats due to the price. We were informed there was no difference in seating, the price range is the online company's ordeal and not precise to the theater. My advice to anyone attending a play...please read this review and do not purchase the most expensive ticket! You will be sitting with everyone that purchased the $18 ticket. Also, view your account immediately...I was charged 4 times for the online ticket purchase. This is unacceptable, the company and theater should communicate in effort to...

This place is amazing. Great shows as well as social events. The choice of productions presented always leave you inspired, informed and wanting more!! House manager Paul is caristmatic and warm. Friendly and helpful staff and the some of the most talents performers Memphis has to offer. Very community involved offering several free events during the week. If you have never been... It's a must. You owe it to yourself!! Pic below are from last seasons the...