Event Description
Produced by Playhouse Square
Written by local, award-winning playwright Lisa Langford
Developed in collaboration with Karamu House, The Cleveland Public Library and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District
SANKOFA is an Akan term from Ghana that means “to go back and get it.” When a magical Sankofa statue breaks, five teens suddenly find themselves within key moments of Black history starting in Africa with Mansa Musa and ending in the 1970’s Bronx with the birth of Hip Hop. Together, they must work to find missing pieces of the broken statue and return to 2026. Along the way, they witness and become a part of history not typically taught in school, learning its value and connection to their own lives. Featuring a dynamic team of Cleveland-based theater professionals, this swift-moving, time-traveling tale comes to life through live music, dance, and a whole lot of history.
Curriculum connections: Drama, English/Language Arts, Music, Social Studies
Recommended for grades: 6-12
Content available to stream on-demand at a time of your choosing from January 18-February 12, 2027. You may access content for your classroom multiple times. One registration per class required.
Run time: 60 mins
Included with registration:
- Teacher Resource Guide
- Pre-show Classroom Connections Workshop Video
- Post-show Classroom Connections Workshop Video
To request a field trip, please complete the online 2026-2027 School Field Trip Order Form by clicking the “Register” button on this page. Registrations and order by phone are not accepted, but we are happy to answer your questions. For assistance in choosing the best shows for your class, please contact the Education Hotline at 216-348-7909 or schoolprograms@playhousesquare.org.
Pricing:
Registrations are $20 per class and may accommodate up to 30 students. If your class is larger, or if you’re registering multiple groups, we would be happy to provide a price quote upon request. Adult participation is free, though they must be accounted for in your reservation numbers.
Cleveland Metropolitan School District teachers: Registrations open July 27, 2026 for a limited number of free and reduced-cost tickets for CMSD schools and approved partnered schools. If you are interested in a specific title, please complete the 2026-2027 CMSD Interest Form to be notified when registrations are live.
This Streaming Performance for Schools is part of the Playhouse Square Education Department Social Justice Series.