Business & Tech
Crown Heights' Iconic Black Lady Theater Re-Opening Next Week After 20 Years
Plays, movies, and cultural events will return to the famous space in the months ahead, according to the theater's owners.
CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — After two decades of dormancy, The Black Lady, an iconic theater steeped in Crown Heights history and associated with a rancorous legal battle over its ownership, will re-open its doors for a two day event on Oct. 15 and 16.
The theater, located at 750 Nostrand Ave., was purchased in 1984 by the late Judge John L. Phillips, Jr., as reported by The New York Times last December, along with The Slave Theater in Bed-Stuy.
Phillips made the purchases "so that he could screen 'Hands Across Two Continents,' a film about an interracial love story he had produced," the Times wrote. "From that point, the two theaters quickly blossomed into cultural and community hubs."
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As Phillips' health declined, both properties became enmeshed in court battles over their rightful ownership. The Slave Theater is now in the hands of developer Eli Hemway, and its ultimate fate has yet to be determined.
In the meantime, Clarence Hardy, a business partner of Phillips who still claims he's the rightful owner of both properties, has moved ahead with restoration work at The Black Lady.
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On Friday, workers were adding the frame for new glass doors leading into the building, while Hardy and his son, Omar, stood watch.
On Oct. 15 and 16, the theater will host "Our Natural Is Beautiful," a showcase for vendors selling "ethnic wares and natural body and hair care products." Live reggae, jazz and calypso will be played, and food will be available as well.
Questions from the public, or from vendors, can be emailed to info@theblackladytheater.com. The theater's office can also be reached by phone at 718-771-0900. More information about vendor opportunities is available on The Black Lady's website.
"We're restoring our cultural institution here," Omar Hardy said on Friday. "Both of these theaters are significant landmarks in the community."
Hardy said he and his father have plans to continue the refurbishment work, and to host movies, theatrical events, and community forums in the near future.
"The space will be open to the community," he said proudly.
Pictured at top: Omar Hardy in front of The Black Lady on Friday. Photo by John V. Santore
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