Let's Heal the World with Art

© American Theatre of Harlem 2012
Text Box: Text Box: Dawn Bennett is a founding member of the American Theatre of Harlem. Devoted to the arts since her childhood, Dawn saw potential in the group that grew out of an actors’ workshop under the direction of Hal DeWindt. De Windt, who had returned to his native Harlem to prepare the next generation of actors for careers in theater and film, was less interested in building a theatre company from scratch, but, Dawn, always leading with her heart, and supported by other actors, convinced the mentor to forge ahead and build a home for actors. A “banker by day”, Dawn used her super hero powers to manage the income and expenses of the Company in its early years. Leading the way as American Theatre of Harlem traveled throughout New York in search of a home, she became the Company’s Executive Director. With an “everlasting commitment to the Company’s success”, Dawn provided the energy, inspiration and way too often, the resources to ensure that success. As an actress, some of her many credits include Nova LeBourne, Bessie, Carefully Taught, A View From the Bridge, Soul Gone Home, Cinnamon & Nutmeg, A Streetcar Named Desire, Singin’ Wid A Sword in Ma Han’. Dawn also shared her time with other not for profit organizations, serving on the board of Medgar Evers College and volunteering with the You Can Thrive! Foundation. A smile on her face and laughter in her heart, Dawn offered joy to all those who came through American Theatre of Harlem, often partnering with new comers to the Actors’ Workshop in scene showcases. Dawn was always grateful to the Creator and a believer in the

For every poet it is always morning in the world; history a forgotten, insomniac night.  The fate of poetry is to fall in love with the world in spite of history.

-Derek Walcott
Text Box: COMMUNITY TREASURE

Dawn Bennett
1952– 2011