Penumbra founding Company member, Claude Purdy, passed away Monday, July 27, 2009. A talented artist and teacher, Purdy mentored many actors and directors throughout the United States. Credited with bringing August Wilson to St. Paul, Purdy directed Wilson's first professional production, Black Bart and the Sacred Hills at Penumbra Theatre in 1982. Purdy worked closely with August Wilson, Lou Bellamy and Penumbra company members, and he was pivotal in the founding years of Penumbra Theatre. His contributions to the theatre community are invaluable.

Select directing credits at Penumbra include: Deadwood Dick : A Legend of the West (1981-1982), Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death (1981-1982), Black Bart and the Sacred Hills (1982-1983), Don't Bother Me - I Can’t Cope (1983-1984), Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (1986-1987), Every Night the Sun Goes Down (1987-1988), Fences (1989-1990), Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (1990-1991), Don't Bother Me – I Can’t Cope (1990-1991), Fences (1996-1997), and Joe Turner's Come and Gone (2002-2003). 

Click here to read additional remarks about Purdy from Education Director Sarah Bellamy and Associate Artistic Director Dominic Taylor.

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