About Us

We believe everyone in our community wants and desires to pursue the spirit of theatre through a kaleidoscope of cultures. This is why Sankofa strives to impart much insight, knowledge, beauty and resiliency of African Americans through the performing arts. We are further dedicated to providing a better understanding and preservation of the African Diaspora as a whole. We want everyone who attends a Sankofa production not only to feel entertained, but empowered and to share their experience with others in our community.

Mission

To develop and promote the cultivation of African American history, life and culture through the performing arts. We seek to create unforgettable moments that remind others of our common humanity, sharing the unique characteristics of the African American diaspora with the broader community.

Sankofa Theatre

Modesto, CA

hello@sankofamodesto.com

209-214-7788

John Ervin III

Executive Director/Artistic Director

John Ervin III (John Sr.) is the co-founder and Executive Director/Artistic Director for Sankofa Theatre Company, the first African-American Theatre Company founded in Modesto. John got his acting start appearing in church and other local plays. John eventually appeared as Walter Lee in Raisin in the Sun (Modesto Junior College), MJC’s first African American Production. John played Tom Robinson in Gallo Center for the Arts To Kill A Mockingbird, Boy Willie in The Piano Lesson, Freedom Riders, The African American Journey, and The Exonerated, and starred in Prospect Theatre’s production of The Whipping Man. John co-directed Freedom Riders and The African American Journey. To Kill A Mockingbird, Freedom Riders, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, and The African American Journey were staged at the Gallo Center for the Arts. Sankofa Theatre Company also produced Looking Over the President’s Shoulder and Tawawa House at the Gallo Center. John’s most recent performance was in Sankofa’s and Gallo Center for the Arts Raisin in the Sun in 2019.

Elizabeth Garmon

Co-Founder

Elizabeth Garmon is one of four co-founders of Sankofa Theatre Company. Last seen in Sankofa Theatre’s and Gallo Center for the Arts 10th Anniversary production of The Piano Lesson, as Berniece. Previously performed in Sankofa Theatre productions of Seven Guitars, Colored People’s Time, Freedom Riders, The Journey, and The Piano Lesson. Elizabeth also appeared in the Townsend Opera/Sankofa Theatre production of Tawawa House, plus a host of other productions. By day Elizabeth works for Modesto City Schools as a high school theater/English teacher.

Cheryl Knox

Co-Founder

Cheryll Knox is an educator in special education. She took theater in high school and participated in many school theatrical productions and talent shows. She continues to exercise her craft in her hometown and surrounding areas. Plays include The Hitchhiker, A Raisin in the Sun, The Piano Lesson, A Christmas Memory, Ragtime, Porgy and Bess, Freedom Riders, Tawawa House, Radio Hour, Don’t Bother Me I Can’t Cope, and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. Cheryll has participated in a host of gospel plays. A part of Cheryl’s ministry is singing about the good news of Jesus Christ in the community. Cheryll along with three other dear friends are the founders of Sankofa Theatre Company, the first African American theatre company in the Central Valley. Sankofa has joined forces with the Gallo Center of the Arts providing excitement, entertainment and educational performances to individuals seeking top notch talent.

Greg Savage

Co-Founder

Greg Savage is one of the cofounders of Sankofa Theatre Company and has performed in most of Sankofa’s productions, as well as productions with Gallo Center Repertory Company. “There are many things I enjoy doing, photography and performing on stage being two, but my greatest love is learning, teaching and preaching God’s words!” Greg and his wife Johnnie have been married for forty-one years and have raised two wonderful young men. Greg Savage Photography.