Prominent Indianapolis art leader Benjamin Rose has resigned from his position as founding artistic director of the Indianapolis Black Theater Company after being charged with strangulation and domestic battery. The charges stem from an incident where a woman reported that Rose strangled her and slammed her head against a cabinet during an argument at his residence. The Indianapolis Black Theater Company was established in 2023 to support Black artists in the industry and has since hosted several events.
In response to the charges, the board members of The District Theatre and the IBTC terminated Rose’s consulting contract. They emphasized a commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment that does not tolerate any form of violence. Rose, who has been involved in the Indianapolis arts scene for over 20 years, confirmed his resignation and expressed confidence in a positive outcome regarding the charges.
This is not the first time Rose has faced charges of domestic battery, with a previous incident resulting in a conviction for criminal confinement in 2013. The District Theatre, where the IBTC is housed, received a grant in 2022 to support Black theater artists. Rose is scheduled to appear in court on April 9. The Mirror Indy reporter Mesgana Waiss covers arts and culture and can be contacted for further information.
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