BOSTON–Scape North America, which delivers innovative urban living solutions, announced that it has signed a Letter of Intent with The Theater Offensive (TTO) to develop the Black Box Theater as part of Scape’s development at 1252-1270 Boylston Street in Boston.
The Theater Offensive (TTO) is a 30-year social change organization that uses theater and the creative process to deconstruct oppressive practices and policies to liberate queer and trans people of color.
“The Theater Offensive is honored to be selected by Scape and the City of Boston to honor the LGBTQ legacy of the development site and build a permanent space for groundbreaking artistic programming and people-powered civic engagement,” said Harold Steward and Evelyn Francis, Producing Co-Executive Directors of The Theater Offensive. “Over the last 30 years, TTO has been recognized for advancing positive cultural shifts in the Boston area and we are uniquely positioned to develop and manage an open and inclusive space in the Fenway neighborhood.”
In recognition of 1252-1270 Boylston Street’s important heritage and affiliation with the LGTBQ community, Scape will work with TTO to deliver the Black Box Theater, a not-for-profit LGBTQ-centric venue for the performing arts. The Black Box Theater will measure 10,000 sq. ft. and will include a 156-seat theater and dedicated community space, flexible space, actor spaces, public spaces and support spaces.
“Preserving the onsite heritage of the LGBTQ Fenway community, we are pleased that the Black Box Theater will be a cornerstone of 1252-1270 Boylston,” said Andrew Flynn, CEO, Scape North America. “Our partnership with The Theater Offensive reflects our commitment to listening to the communities we serve, and we look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders over the coming months.”
The Theater Offensive is a social change organization that uses theater and the creative process to deconstruct oppressive practices and policies to liberate queer and trans people of color. TTO grew out of the queer guerilla street theater troupe, United Fruit Company, and was founded in 1989 by Abe Rybeck and other activists in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis. Since its founding, TTO has become the lead presenter of LGBTQ theater in New England and continually supports the creation of new and original work.
Today, the organization’s mission is to present liberating art by, for, and about queer trans people of color that transcends artistic boundaries, celebrates cultural abundance, and dismantles oppression. TTO employs groundbreaking, interactive artistic programming to discover and promote works by queer and trans people of color. TTO also creates thought-provoking programs, including educational programs, youth-centered leadership programs, community-led artistic experiences and people-powered civic engagement opportunities.
Scape North America is headquartered in Boston and was formed in 2017 and focuses on innovative urban living solutions across the U.S. and Canada.
