Sankofa Theater: Inscape Finale - New Film Honors Legacy, Future Of A Seattle Black Theater
When the Sankofa Theater shut it’s doors for the final time in October, it marked a somber day in the Seattle arts scene. The Black-owned theater, who’s mission is to create space for Black artists and storytellers to share their work within the community, had fought valiantly to remain open at it’s location at the Inscape Arts building. Unfortunately, rising rent and financial hardships pushed them out, creating a hole in the Seattle Black arts scene.
We were there to document the somber occasion and the impacts Sankofa Theater had on the community, but also to look ahead as owner Teme Wokoma aims to continue Sankofa Theater’s legacy and find a new space.
“Even though we’re closing Sankofa, I’m really really grateful to have the experiences that we did,” Wokoma said. “I will never, ever feel whole.”
Our crew spent three days at the space, speaking with staff, artists, and community members impacted by the theater. It was an emotional week spent capturing the work and legacies of some truly talented individuals, as well as that of late co-founder Elijah L. Lewis.
“Having the opportunity to Direct the Sankofa Inscape Finale short documentary has been an honor,” Filmmaker Brady McAtee said. “Teme Wokoma is an incredible spirit whose presence lights up the room. Getting to know her better over the course of this project has meant the world to me. Teme and Elijah L. Lewis created a beautiful space that exemplified Black art, and the loss of said space has been a loss for the city of Seattle.”
Throughout it’s time in operation, the Sankofa Theater hosted a variety of events. Ranging from live performances to art shows, and even a Converge Media takeover, it was a hub for creatives and patrons of art alike.
“Telling this story was very impactful and important to me,” Filmmaker Winfield Ezell said. “While seeing this space and hearing the stories Teme and others, it really hit me how important it is to highlight and support spaces which keep the culture in our communities alive.”
The Converge Media crew spend three days at the Sankofa Theater documenting the legacy of the Black-owned space
The final product is a film which speaks to the harsh reality facing artists of all background in Seattle, but especially the Black creative community. With rising costs, it has become increasingly unsustainable to operate spaces which allow creatives room to grow and work within the city. The exodus of artists and spaces has left gaps in Seattle’s arts scene, threatening a once thriving culture.
“The folks in the building made it very clear that despite us being in the middle of a fundraiser and bringing new traffic to the building, they still don’t want us here,” Wokoma said.
It’s not all bad news, though. Wokoma and The Sankofa Theater continue to search for a new home as they work to push forward on their mission of creative a space for Black artists in Seattle.
“It’s only a matter of time before the city feels the impact of this loss,” McAtee said. “I have full confidence that Teme will cary the legacy of the Sankofa Theater, as well as the legacy of Elijah L. Lewis with her to the next venture.”
Make sure to stay tuned for information on the release of the full film, and watch the trailer above.
