The Band's Visit Tony winner Ari'el Stachel, who created the role of Haled, has been cast in the new film Zola, according to Deadline.
The film, directed by Janicza Bravo, will also feature Tony nominee Colman Domingo, Taylour Paige, Riley Keough, and Jason Mitchell.
Playwright Jeremy O. Harris, as previously reported, has cowritten the screenplay, which is inspired by Aziah Wells (Zola), who rose to internet fame in 2015 when she chronicled her trip to Florida with an exotic dancer.
Zola is being produced by A24, the same company behind the film adaptation of Aleshea Harris' Relentless Award-winning play Is God Is. Paige stars in the film's title role with Tony winner Stachel as her fiancé.
The screenplay is co-written by director Bravo, the aforementioned Harris, Andrew Neel, and Mike Roberts, with production set to begin in the fall.
Harris' Slave Play began previews Off-Broadway at NYTW November 19 with direction by Obie Award winner Robert O’Hara. His play Daddy will have its world premiere in winter 2019 as part of the Vineyard’s 2018-2019 season in a co-production with The New Group. Danya Taymor will direct, with previously announced Alan Cumming set to star.
