Our Mission
Rooted theater company engages, challenges and inspires audiences through theatrical productions that range from the classics to new and emerging works; our programming encourages social consciousness through Real, Open, and Objective Theater Education. We celebrate the diversity of our community's roots, our present struggles and future successes through intentional theater.
OUR VISION
Rooted is dedicated to producing socially relevant theater based on community experiences.
Our History
Rooted Theater Company was founded in Fall 2013 by Kareem Nemley and his husband, Wilfredo Florentino. A native of East New York, Brooklyn, Kareem has long been deeply engaged in theater and recognized a critical gap in access to community-based performance opportunities in his neighborhood. Together, they envisioned a theater company dedicated to producing socially relevant work grounded in the lived experiences of the community.
Rooted’s inaugural production, A Lesson Before Dying by Romulus Linney, based on the novel by Ernest J. Gaines, was staged in June 2017 at ARTs East New York to standing-room-only audiences. Since then, Rooted has tackled a range of pressing social issues, including female empowerment, gentrification, colorism, hypermasculinity, and performative activism.
Originally conceived as Justice Theater Company, Rooted has grown into a leading community theater presence in East New York, Brooklyn. Now in its third year of seasonal programming, the organization continues to expand its impact. With early support from the Legal Aid Society, Rooted achieved 501(c)(3) status in 2020 and has benefited from ongoing partnership with the Brooklyn Arts Council and collaborators such as ARTs East New York.
Looking ahead, Rooted envisions a dynamic and inclusive season that extends beyond the stage, including after-school programs, youth and elder-led productions, theater workshops, and community-centered initiatives that continue to amplify diverse voices.
our Achievements
501c3 corporation status granted in 2019
reintroduced the theatrical arts to a community with limited access
engaged more than 3000 community members within 6 yeARS
Built partnerships with community leaders & stakeholders
Crafted programming directly influenced by the community
Reinvigorated a passion for theater in east new york, brooklyn
Honored by brooklyn borough president eric l. adams at his 2019 lgbt pride month celebration
Featured in the print and online version of brownstoner fall/winter 2019-2020
Our Founder and Artistic Director, Kareem Nemley speaks to filmmaker Sara Sekine about our inaugural production "A Lesson Before Dying," Rooted's mission and work.
Our Home Neighborhood - East New York, Brooklyn
East New York is a neighborhood in the easternmost section of the borough of Brooklyn in New York City. The neighborhood is part of Brooklyn Community District 5, covered by Brooklyn Community Board 5.
Its boundaries, starting from the north and moving clockwise are: Cypress Hills Cemetery to the north, the Borough of Queens to the east, Jamaica Bay to the south, and the Bay Ridge Branch railway tracks next to Van Sinderen Avenue to the west. Linden Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue are the primary thoroughfares through East New York. Its ZIP Codes include 11207, 11208, and 11239. The area is patrolled by the 75th Precinct. New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) property in the area is patrolled by P.S.A. 2.
During the latter part of the twentieth century, East New York came to be predominantly inhabited by African Americans and Latinos.
in 2013 the African Burial Ground Square was designated after remains were found between New Lots and Livonia Avenues from Barbey to Schenck Streets. It shares space with the New Lots branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. After months of community based efforts the burial ground was confirmed and formally recognized.
our legacy - The Gotham Theater
Located on the south side of Fulton Street, just off the corner of Alabama Avenue in what is now known as Broadway Junction, the building that would become the Gotham Theater has roots dating back to the late 19th century. Its first cornerstone was laid in November 1889.
Originally constructed as William Bennett’s Casino, the venue later became known as the Brooklyn Music Hall. Following extensive repairs, it reopened in February 1896 under the ownership of Otto Huber and operated as a vaudeville house.
Over the years, the building underwent several transformations. It was at one point known as the Gotham Hotel, then again as the Brooklyn Music Hall, before officially becoming the Gotham Theater in 1901. In this iteration, the theater shifted its focus toward more family-oriented entertainment.
In 1907, a young Mae West performed there as part of Hal Clarendon’s Stock Theater Company. By the 1920s, the Gotham transitioned to silent films, reflecting broader changes in the entertainment industry.
The theater closed in 1930, briefly attempted to reopen in 1932, and ultimately shut its doors for good in 1934. A November 22, 1935 article in the Brooklyn Eagle later documented its demolition.