Rufus Collins, born August 16, 1935 in Harlem, New York was an American actor/director who was one of the pioneers to put black / multicultural theatre on the map in the Netherlands. For many years, he was a member of the The Living Theater and traveled the world with their controversial repertory. He eventually set up house in Europe; first in England, and ultimately in Holland, where he died in 1996.

Rufus Collins was an inspired pioneer, a lion who always kept fighting for the recognition of black theatre. He was an explosive director who was constantly filled with ideas. Until the end Rufus remained an inspiration for the people in his life. His legacy is vast but perhaps the most important less that he taught his students is that when all is said and done, there is nothing that counts but the work.