√¢‚Ǩ≈ìFor centuries, Africa has captivated the Western imagination. At the same time, the √¢‚Ǩ≈ìdark continent’s√¢‚Ǩ¬ù rich resources – including its human resources – have been exploited by Westerners in the most brutal ways imaginable,√¢‚Ǩ¬ù says Theatre for a New Audience Founding Artistic Director Jeffrey Horowitz. Beginning in October at The Duke on 42nd Street, our 29th season will explore works depicting the collision of these civilizations.
Our season begins with Adrienne Kennedy’s Ohio State Murders in its Off-Broadway premiere. Directed by Evan Yionoulis and featuring LisaGay Hamilton, the story portrays a fictional African-American writer whose life both is and is not like the author’s. Past and present intertwine in this lyrical, spellbinding story of a confrontation with racial hatred, loss and love.
Adrienne Kennedy is one of theatre’s most remarkable visionaries, holding awards from the Guggenheim Fellowship and the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Evan Yionoulis directed the New York premiere of Howard Benton’s Sore Throats for Theatre for a New Audience and serves as resident director at Yale Repertory Theatre.
Making its US premiere is Aphra Behn’s Oroonoko, adapted by Biyi Bandele, with original music by Juwon Ogungbe, directed by Kate Whoriskey, and featuring Daniel Breaker.
Biyi Bandele was commissioned in 1999 by the Royal Shakespeare Company to adapt Aphra Behn’s 1688 novella Oroonoko, which was based on tales told by African slaves brought over by the Dutch. With vibrant words, drumming and dance based on Yoruba culture, Bandele tells a tragic love story, a journey from kingship to slavery, rebellion and death. Mr. Breaker was featured in the recent Passing Strange at The Public Theater and Well on Broadway. Among others, Ms. Whoriskey has directed at LABrynth Theatre Company and the Goodman.
Our season will culminate with Antony and Cleopatra, directed by Darko Tresnjak. William Shakespeare’s unforgettable study of mature lovers who sacrifice all for love is also a study in two cultures: the formality of Rome pitted against the sensuality of Egypt. Shot through with rich language and charged with a Chekhovian sense of regret, this is one of the crown jewels of the world’s dramatic poetry.
Darko Tresnjak is the Artistic Director of the Old Globe Shakespeare Festival. For Theatre for a New Audience, he has staged All’s Well that Ends Well and The Merchant of Venice.
Please join us for this exciting season! Call Ticket Services for The Duke on 42nd Street at (646) 223-3010 or order online at www.tfana.org.