Immerse Yourself in the Beauty of African Artistry.
This is a home for African stories told on stage, past and present. It connects audiences to the voices, cultures, and theatrical traditions that shape African drama across the continent and beyond. Through plays, playwrights, and performance resources, it preserves and promotes Africa’s rich theatrical heritage for future generations.
OUR MISSION
At ATARS, we are dedicated to the art of African storytelling, where theatre transcends entertainment and becomes an immersive, soul-stirring experience. Our productions are a celebration of African heritage, blending rhythmic music, mesmerizing dance, and evocative drama to create a spectacle of unparalleled grandeur.
Who Are We?
We are a collective of passionate artists dedicated to bringing the richness of African theatre to the heart of Los Angeles. More than just performers, we are storytellers, culture-bearers, and visionaries committed to amplifying the voices of an underrepresented community in the arts.
Sponsor Packages
01.
Patron Sponsor - $1,000
• Two (2) complimentary tickets to ATARS productions
• Recognition in printed programs
• Recognition on ATARS website
02.
Supporting Sponsor - $2,500
• Four (4) complimentary VIP tickets
• Program recognition as Season Supporter
• Website recognition
• Social media acknowledgment
03.
Community Sponsor - $5,000
• Six (6) VIP tickets
• Recognition as Community Arts Sponsor
• Logo/name listed on ATARS website
• Invitation to opening night reception
04.
Arts Champion - $10,000
• Eight (8) VIP tickets
• Recognition as Arts Champion Sponsor
• Logo placement on select marketing materials
• Invitation to donor reception
• Private meet-and-greet with artists
Prof. Bayo Akinfemi
Founder and Artistic Director
A two-time Best Actor GEMINI awards nominee for Human Cargo and The Border, Bayo was a series regular for five seasons on a Chuck Lorre sitcom titled Bob Hearts Abishola for CBS / Warner Bros. He also worked as the dialect coach and cultural consultant for the show. His other acting credits include Marvel’s Agents of Shield, Criminal Minds, NCIS LA, Survivor’s Remorse and Bulletproof Monk Bayo is also a director. His credits include episodes of Bob Hearts Abishola, a short film titled Rump and Nollywood feature films Busted Life and Paparazzi: Eye in the Dark.
Our Team
Andrea Meshel
Faithfulness Adebayo-Ige
Georgina Okon
Chet Anekwe
Upcoming Shows
About the Play
The Gods Are Not to Blame by Ola Rotimi is a powerful Yoruba reimagining of Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, set within the cultural and spiritual landscape of a traditional African kingdom. Blending classical Greek tragedy with the poetry, rhythm and symbolism of Yoruba tradition, the play explores destiny, leadership, pride and the tension between fate and free will.
Directed by Bayo Akinfemi, this production promises a dynamic and immersive theatrical experience – featuring elevated language, live percussion, movement-driven storytelling and visually striking design rooted in authentic Yoruba aesthetics. With professional actors, dancers and musicians collaborating alongside students in a vibrant cultural exchange, the staging will be both artistically rigorous and culturally resonant. Epic, emotionally charged and visually compelling, this is authentic African theatre that entertains, challenges and lingers long after the final moment on stage.
Links to tickets
For Thursday April 16 & Friday April 17 shows: reservations must be made for complimentary tickets below.
https://visionsandvoices.usc.edu/events/49959393801705
For Saturday April 18 & Sunday April 19: tickets can be purchased at link below