Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) presents the 11th annual Station Hope on Saturday, May 25 from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. on the grounds of Cleveland’s first authenticated Underground Railroad site, St. John’s Episcopal Church at 2600 Church Ave.
Station Hope is a jubilant community event celebrating Cleveland’s social justice heritage and exploring contemporary struggles for freedom and equity. Engage with over 100 artists and community and professional arts & cultural organizations from across Northeast Ohio as they envision, interrogate, entertain and seek out hope. Audiences can explore the historic church, (an architectural wonder) while enjoying theatre, music, storytelling, visual art and dance inspired by the most important issues of our time. Station Hope is free, family-friendly, and open to all.
Participating artists to date include returning show-stopping high-energy dance & drumming group Djapo Cultural Arts Institute, and African dance group Mojuba! Dance Collective, award-winning playwright Eric Schmiedl, Afro-fusion/Hip Hop dance group Blakk Jakk Dance Collective; spoken word artist Fatima Matar and Restore Cleveland Hope. There will also be musical performances by Anuvybe, New Genesis and much more.
Returning also is the fan-favorite African American Quilt & Doll Guild with the Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers. Patrons may also visit the Activate Hope tent which will feature local social service agencies and other partnering non-profit organizations. There will also be food trucks and an interactive tent for kids and adults.
Cleveland Public Theatre’s Station Hope 2024 is presented in partnership with The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio, Ward 3 Councilman Kerry McCormack, and Ohio City Incorporated.
About St. John’s Episcopal Church
St. John’s Episcopal Church was built beginning in 1836 and completed in 1838. As a church active in the Underground Railroad, St. John’s was a last stop for freedom seekers across the waters of Lake Erie, and the church’s steeple acted as a beacon of freedom. St. John’s is the oldest consecrated building in Cuyahoga County.
Due to the historic construction of the building, some interior spaces may not be accessible to people with limited mobility.
Photo by Steve Wagner
