Amina Robinson assumes artistic directorship at Theatre Horizon

Amina Robinson begins her tenure as artistic director of Theatre Horizon in Norristown on Nov. 2. The appointment returns her to the venue where she first established her career as a director. She took on the role after working with the theater's founder, Matt Decker, on a production of 'The Color Purple.' That show led to subsequent directing offers from other Philadelphia companies.

Robinson's new duties coincide with the transfer of her production of Suzan-Lori Parks's 'Top Dog/Underdog.' The play previously ran at People's Light Theatre in Malvern. It opens at the Arden Theatre in Philadelphia and runs through Dec. 13. Akeem Davis plays the character Lincoln, and George McGriff plays his younger brother, Booth. The story explores sibling rivalry and other themes through the interactions of the two brothers.

The transition to the Arden marks a busy period for Robinson. She is also preparing to direct Branden Jacob-Jenkins's 'Purpose' for the Philadelphia Theatre Company in January. 'Purpose' is the second consecutive PTC production to earn a Tony and a Pulitzer Prize for Best Play in the same year. The company's earlier production, 'Liberation,' received both awards in 2026.

Robinson describes her schedule as demanding in a telephone interview. "At this juncture, I feel as if I probably am the busiest person in Philadelphia," she said. "So much is going on, and I am about to start a new adventure." She noted that the first year at Theatre Horizon will involve a restructuring. The company will produce only one community play during that time.

Robinson spent the summer reading 120 of the 150 plays she selected for potential production. She is looking for works that may not have had New York runs and are unfamiliar to local audiences. She cited Mark St. Germain's 'Dance Lessons' and Diana Burbano's 'Beheading Columbus' as titles of interest. She said she reads until a piece grabs her heart, a standard she applied to 'Dance Lessons.'

The director previously worked with the Arden Theatre on 'Once On This Island.' She revisited that musical after an initial production at Temple University. Robinson said the production allowed her to explore aspects of the story that went beyond its entertainment value. The team researched Haitian culture and worked with a music director to incorporate specific instruments. She remains proud of that production for its storytelling richness.

Robinson said she generally accepts productions when they are offered to her rather than pitching specific titles. She has directed works at various theaters, including a production of Kash Goins's '74 Seconds .. To Judgment' at the Arden. That performance led to a booking for a full Arden production. She has since maintained a steady stream of directing engagements across the Philadelphia theater scene.

The new leadership at Theatre Horizon begins immediately with the restructuring plans. Robinson will manage the season with a focus on smaller, curated productions. The company's community play schedule is reduced for the upcoming year. This approach aligns with her plan to select plays that resonate personally rather than chasing mainstream commercial hits.