Off-Broadway NewsTony Nominee Kara Young Reprises Twelfth Night's Viola BeginningFebruary 11
Classical Theatre of Harlem's Afrofuturistic take on the Shakespeare comedy plays NYU Skirball.
By
Leah Putnam
February 11, 2023
The Classical Theatre of Harlem's Afrofuturistic production of Twelfth Nighthas headed downtown to play NYU Skirball February 11-19. Originally mounted in 2022 at Marcus Garvey Park, the play stars Tony nominee Kara Young reprising the lead role of Viola.
The theatre company's Associate Artistic Director Carl Cofield directs with Tiffany Rea-Fisher as associate director and choreographer. The Shakespeare comedy follows its heroine Viola, who pretends to be a man after being shipwrecked and washing up on the shores of the lively city Illyria. Taking charge of her destiny, Viola works to navigate this new place, find her brother, and not become entangled in love triangles.
Also returning in the cast are William DeMeritt, Carson Elrod, Kat Files, Allen Gilmore, Dennzyl Green, Alisa Gregory, Brynlie Helmich, Madelyn LaLonde, Anthony Lalor, Cassandra Lopez, Collin McConnell, Chivas Michael, Othello Pratt, Jr., Christina Sajous, Donathan Walters, and Zoë Lishinsky.
“With its Afrofuturistic aesthetic and diverse team of artists, our production of Twelfth Night will tackle the global conversation around equity, diversity, and inclusion,” said director Cofield in an earlier statement. “I look forward to showing audiences what the magical world of Illyria can teach us here and now.”
Reuniting on the creative team are co-fight directors Rick Sordelet and Christian Kelly-Sordelet, scenic designer Riw Rakkulchon, costume designer Mika Eubanks, lighting designer Alan C. Edwards, composer and sound designer Frederick Kennedy, projection designer Brittany Bland, properties designer Samantha Shoffner, and hair and make-up designer Earon Nealey. Jessica Forella is production stage manager and Chris Steckel is stage manager.
The Classical Theatre of Harlem originally presented the production outside at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem July 5-29.
A statement from the Off-Broadway company's board of directors pledges a future "filled with diversity," and "to continue our long legacy of supporting artists of all backgrounds."
Breaking the Binary Theatre is co-producing the world premiere with Playwrights Horizons about a group of queer co-workers in the age of climate change.