Founder of Black Olive Community Theatre
Mama Oroki Rice has been a thespian paying her dues since adolescence.
She snagged the role of Mary in her second grade Christmas pageant which later led to her 2nd role given to her by her eighth grade Language Arts teacher, Mrs. Marva Collins in West Side Story.
Healing Through Art: Honoring The Genius of Mama Oroki
She wrote and performed plays while a student at Lake View High School.
She was a member of Northern Illinois University’s Black Theatre Ensemble. Oroki has had the privilege of ongoing coaching by Dr. Baron Kelly at the University of Wisconsin’s Odyssey Project since 2007.
Mama Oroki has had the privilege of ongoing coaching by Dr. Baron Kelly at the University of Wisconsin’s Odyssey Project since 2007.
“I’ve paid my dues to get to this place”
All these experiences led to her founding the Black Olive Community Theatre in 2018. This leaves the door open for young black actors, directors, screenplay writers, producers, optics, musicians, (pretty much the good folks of L.O.T.T.O. ENT.)
Words of Wisdom From Mama Oroki: “Don’t let anyone define you. Don’t be scared to be different. You are the product of those who came before you, thus honor your elders and your ancestors”
A Raisin In The Sun: Live @ Black Olive Theatre
June 28th-29th Open @ 6pm
Come celebrate Mama Oroki Rice in the Sun with us THIS FRIDAY!
#GetUnderTheUmbrella