Turning Krasniqi: A Non-Binary Play by 2020 Commission Winner Jonathan Alexandratos will receive a developmental workshop at Off-Broadway's AMT Theater. Mika Kauffman (The Civility of Albert Cashier, Safeword) will direct four free performances of the work, presented by Parity Productions, November 3, 5, and 6.
The play follows the story of Hannah Krasniqi, a Kentucky high schooler "who transitions to become a burrnesha, a gender in his ancestral homeland of Albania." But, Hannah is faced with a transphobic principal, few friends, and no personal connections to anyone who can relate. With these challenges and a set of ancient rules that set how to come out in the burrnesha tradition, Hannah takes a journey which explores how old traditions can speak to modern truths.
Starring in the production will be Bowie Lance as Hannah/Turning, Peri LeBlanc as Krista, Stephanie Cha as Christina, Kristyn Michele as Mr. Wormsley, Dillon Yruegas as Mr. Turning/Jorge Ramos, Ashley Lauren Rogers as Mom/Allison Statter, Tobaron Waxman as Olgi, Annie Conolly as Liam/Sam, Jace n' Ziev as Larissa/Alex, and Mattie Mariposa as Julio/Jesse/That One Band Kid.
Kauffman will lead the creative team which will feature costume designer Gylanni Carrington, sound designer Emma Hasselbach, and projection designer Jean Sonderand. Also serving on the team will be production stage manager Becca Silbert, stage manager Dexter Warren, and assistant stage manager Schuyler Seitzsky. Casting is by Danielle Pretsfelder Demchick.
Parity Productions is "dedicated to producing new work and filling at least 80% of the creative positions with women, trans, and gender-expansive artists." Alexandratos was selected as the winner for one of the two commissions awarded by the theatre company each year to women, trans, or gender-expansive playwrights for their play Turning Krasniqi. The commissions include $2,500, developmental support, and at least one public reading.
To make a required reservation fora free ticket, visit Eventbrite.com.
