Namba News
Featured Media Coverage and Performance Information
July 22, 2021
Dear NAMBA Supporters,
NAMBA Performing Arts Space cares deeply about our patrons and our staff. All contractors, volunteers, Board of Directors and Dance teachers are vaccinated. To the best of our ability NAMBA is following CDC recommended guidelines while working in the Theatre. We ask that our artists and our supporters also follow CDC guidelines when attending shows, classes and events at NAMBA. As we’ve seen, these guidelines change frequently. Please visit https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/ for up to date information.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Board Chair Tamara Varney via email.
Media Coverage
Making waves: NAMBA’s Splash Festival focuses on emerging playwrights
VC Reporter | August 3, 2023
Molto musica e magia: Italy’s Ensemble Sangineto makes music and magic for the world
VC Reporter | May 3, 2023
Ballet, flamenco and more will leap onto VC stages this week
VC Reporter | Apr 13, 2023
L.A.-by-way-of-Philly artist Mary Scholz comes to Ventura Feb. 17
VC Reporter | Feb 13, 2023
Remembering Julia Campbell Namba
VC Reporter | Dec 21, 2022
NAMBA Performing Arts Space has scheduled a tremendous cultural coup
VC Reporter | Sep 8, 2022
Fringe Benefits | Three Hollywood Fringe Gems Come to Namba for the Women’s Voices Festival
VC Reporter | July 6, 2022
Full Swing | Country-Western Outfit Carolyn Stills Combo to Perform at NAMBA on Nov. 13
VC Reporter | Nov. 10, 2021
SMALL THEATER, BIG TALENT | WOMEN’S VOICES FESTIVAL AT NAMBA, OCT. 8-15
VC Reporter | Oct. 6, 2021
Our History
Namba’s Origins date back to November 2013 when, under the direction of Pamela Pilkenton and Cathy Butter, ALOFT dancers performed “Clara Cries Nuts” in an art studio loft. Though the production was largely a success, at least one audience member, Julia Campbell-Namba, was underwhelmed by the venue and believed that these dancers could have a great influence on the community in a more accessible, professional theatre.
Julia and Pam began talks which led to the creation of Aloft Dancetheatre, Inc. a 501(c)3 corporation. Next they needed a venue. They spent the better part of a year searching for an appropriate space. Finally, and with generous funding provided by Julia and Ben Namba, a transformative renovation, from retail storefront to performing arts space, began at 47 South Oak Street in Ventura’s downtown historic cultural arts district.
Over the years, Namba has presented hundreds of events. This creative space has presented a diverse array of Music, Dance, Theater, Comedy, Civic and Community happenings.
Thousands of students and arts enthusiasts alike have passed through the doors to enjoy and participate in performances, classes or workshops. The history of NAMBA is filled not just with the hearts of performers, participants, staff and audience, but also with the generosity of NAMBA Patrons, Ben and Julia Campbell Namba.
Julia, significant supporter of Ventura’s Arts Scene and deeply committed to preserving Performing Arts in the community, remains a constant force of creative ingenuity within the NAMBA mission. The “Namba” name emblazoned on the studio space is one way Julia honors her husband, Ben, who now lives with Alzheimer Disease but has always shared her great appreciation for the arts.
Namba’s legacy is ~ and always will be ~ Ben’s legacy too.
On March 20, 2019, the NAMBA Board voted to have the 501c3 nonprofit corporation filed with California’s Secretary of State legal name change from ALOFT Dance to the “Namba Performing Arts Space.”
And so the History of NAMBA continues to shine with the sparkle of a dream that is to create a performing arts space filled with theater, music, dance, a thriving art community and education!