Madhuri Shekar's Queen, the inaugural production for National Asian American Theatre Company's National Partnership Project, completes its run July 1 at A.R.T./New York's Mezzanine Theatre. The production, which transferred from New Haven, Connecticut's Long Wharf Theatre, began its run June 10.
The play stars Stephanie Janssen (Death of a Salesman, Mrs. Warren's Profession), Ben Livingston (Mamma Mia!, One Man Two Guvnors), Keshav Moodliar (Native Son), and Avanthika Srinivasan in her Off-Broadway debut. Following Ph.D. candidates Sanam and Ariel, who study vanishing bee populations, the two researchers find a mistake in their career-making paper, and must make a decision between integrity and ambition that could change everything.
Directing is Aneesha Kudtarkar, leading a creative team which includes scenic designer Junghhyun Georgia Lee, costume designer Phuong Nguyen with assistant costume designer Kyle Artone, and lighting designer Yuki Nakase Link with assistant lighting designer Jackie Fox. Sound design and original music is by Daniela Hart, Bailey Trierweiler, and Noel Nichols of UptownWorks.
NAATCO's new initiative NNPP focuses on working with theatres nationwide to develop, improve, and implement local strategies for creating an equitable and accessible space for Asian-American theatre artists, technicians, and administrators. In partnership with Soho Rep, the initiative's next project is scheduled for early 2023, followed by a new adaptation of Romeo and Juliet by Hansol Jung (Wolf Play, Wild Goose Dreams, Cardboard Piano) at Two River Theater in New Jersey.
For tickets and more information, visit NAATCO.org.
