Amina Robinson Launches New Chapter at Theatre Horizon
The director assumes the artistic director role in Norristown as her production of 'Top Dog/Underdog' transfers to Philadelphia's Arden Theatre.
By Yasmin Nasser ·
Amina Robinson begins her tenure as artistic director of Theatre Horizon in Norristown on Monday, Nov. 2. The appointment marks a return to the venue where her directing career began, even as she simultaneously prepares for a new production in Philadelphia.
Robinson’s current production of Suzan-Lori Parks’s 'Top Dog/Underdog' has moved from People’s Light Theatre in Malvern to the Arden Theatre in Philadelphia. The run continues through Dec. 13. Akeem Davis plays the character Lincoln, while George McGriff portrays his younger brother, Booth.
The director holds multiple commitments across the Philadelphia theater scene. In January, she will direct Branden Jacob-Jenkins’s 'Purpose' for Philadelphia Theatre Company. That play earned both a Tony Award and a Pulitzer Prize for Best Play in 2025. PTC’s earlier production, 'Liberation,' received the same dual honors in 2026.
Robinson said she feels like the busiest person in the city. "So much is going on, and I am about to start a new adventure," she said by telephone. "My new job at Theater Horizon starts just as 'Top Dog/Underdog' transfers to the Arden. This will be a restructuring year at Horizon with only one of the theater’s community plays in production."
Her path to the Horizon leadership role began with a production of 'The Color Purple.' Matt Decker, the theater’s co-founder, called Robinson after a student mentioned her name. Decker held the rights to the musical and asked her to direct. Robinson accepted, citing the spirit she saw in Alice Walker’s story. The successful production led to further directing offers.
Robinson noted that she has generally accepted productions presented to her rather than pitching specific plays. She has read 120 of the 150 plays she selected while planning seasons for Theatre Horizon. She aims to produce works that may not have 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.
Robinson described the process of directing 'Top Dog/Underdog' as a "juicy, exciting time." She said she and the actors experimented extensively to determine what would resonate. "Akeem likes to think things through and experiment," Robinson said. "Once decisions are made, he is as consistent as they come in bringing to the stage."
Robinson has 30 more plays to read before she concludes her research. She seeks works that capture her attention during the reading process. She stated that 'Dance Lessons' initially seemed cute until a specific passage reached her emotionally, confirming her desire to direct it.
