Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs
By Shirley Hawkins
and Cynthia Gibson
Contributing Writers
LEIMERT PARK — The Vision Theater, a longtime landmark in Leimert Park, will reopen next year operating under a partnership between the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and the WACO Theater Center, founded by businesswoman Tina Knowles, a move applauded by local business people.
Knowles, best known for guiding the careers of her daughters, former Destiny Child’s singer-songwriters Beyonce Knowles-Carter and vocalist Solange Knowles, will assume the role as the co-operator and co-manager of the theater.
“I think Tina Knowles is the appropriate industry-connected person that’s highly needed for this venture,” Community Build President Robert Sausedo said. “She is someone who is deeply connected to the industry.
“I think she will bring world-class entertainment that’s not limited to our experience in the community. She will broaden the opportunity for first and best-in-class entertainment for this community.”
Tony Jolly, the owner of ORA, an urban café, called Knowles’ connection with the Vision Theater “refreshing.”
“The reasons why we opened up here seven years ago was based upon the Vision Theater along with [the Crenshaw Rail Line],” he added. “There were many delays because of Covid and other circumstances, so we’re excited that we’re still around to be able to experience the Vision Theater.
“Tina’s presence is overly welcome. To have somebody of her stature to be within the community will ensure there is proper programming.
Jolly said Knowles has already made her presence felt in the community.
“She came around and visited the merchants and told us that she was not the savior of Leimert Park, but she was a part of the many pieces that’s going to come together to ensure people want to come and tap into the culture that exists here,” he said. “I’m really excited that we’re moving forward with her and the Vision Theater will be opening soon.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her approval of the partnership.
“I want to thank WACO for partnering with the city in this important effort to revitalize the Vision Theater — a historic and iconic community space that has been closed for too long,” Bass said. “With experience in the performing arts, WACO will execute and enhance the vision to highlight the vast creative and artistic visions of artists and youth throughout the city. We will continue to support creative expression.”
City Councilwoman Heather Hutt added: “The Vision Theater is a part of the cultural legacy of South Los Angeles, and I am proud that the city is taking powerful steps forward in realizing its potential.
“This partnership between WACO, an organization that is deeply rooted in the community and committed to uplifting Black voices through the arts and the city will revitalize the theater and create a sanctuary for creativity, education, and cultural pride right in the heart of the Tenth District,” she added.
Shay Wafer, executive director of WACO Theater Center, who will work with Knowles, said, “Joining forces with the city of Los Angeles through the Vision Theater is more than a partnership — it’s the beginning of a bold new chapter for WACO and our impact on Los Angeles and the world.”
James Burks, who lives in Leimert Park and is the former special projects director for the Los Angeles Department
of Cultural Affairs, also praised the move.
“I think the selection of Tina Knowles gives the community a much-needed say so in the operation of Vision Theater,” Burks said. “She’s from the public section and not from the political section. She has a background in running a theater because she started and ran the WACO Theater for a long time.
“The Vision Theater needs to have more public and private input into operations because it’s a 750-seat theatre. That gives it an opportunity to have legitimate plays. It also gives Leimert Park a major stakeholder theater in the African American community throughout the United States.”
Knowles’ mission is to increase opportunities for young people in South Los Angeles in the visual and performing arts.
A landmark for nearly a century, the Vision Theater originally served as a neighborhood movie theater.
In 1990, actress Marla Gibbs purchased the theater alongside her daughter Angela Gibbs, renaming it the Vision Theater.
Following the 1992 Los Angeles riot, the city of Los Angeles purchased the theater and transformed it into a performing arts center.
Since its acquisition by the city, the Vision Theater has undergone extensive renovations and restoration totaling $39 million. The theater is expected to open next spring.
Knowles said she believes the venue will attract an estimated 150,000 visitors annually, increasing foot traffic for local businesses and fostering economic growth in Leimert Park and the surrounding Crenshaw District.
The relocation of WACO to the Vision Theater will offer world-class programming including stage plays, dance performances and music concerts showcasing local talent, internationally renowned artists, motion picture screenings, youth arts education, community engagement opportunities and unique in-house programming.
“The Vision Theater is a gift of empowerment for us, the next generation, and together — with the help of WACO, the city of L.A., and the community — we will ensure it remains true to that commitment,” Knowles said.
Shirley Hawkins is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers. She can be reached at shirleyhawkins700@gmail.com.
Cynthia Gibson is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers. She can be reached at ckgcommunications@gmail.com.
