JACK's Winter/spring theater season
January 16 - 25:
She Talks to Beethoven
By Adrienne Kennedy
Directed by Charlotte Brathwaite
JACK produces the first professional production of this bold short work by visionary playwright Adrienne Kennedy (pictured), directed by Charlotte Brathwaite in collaboration with rising star installation artist Abigail DeVille. She Talks to Beethoven is an audio/visual theater performance that integrates found objects, drawing, silhouette and projection to tell the story of Suzanne Alexander, an African-American woman living in 1961 post-independence Ghana. After the sudden and mysterious disappearance of her husband, she seeks solace in an imaginary world visited by the spirit of composer, Ludwig van Beethoven. Photo of Natalie Paul by Hao Bai.
She Talks to Beethoven
By Adrienne Kennedy
Directed by Charlotte Brathwaite
JACK produces the first professional production of this bold short work by visionary playwright Adrienne Kennedy (pictured), directed by Charlotte Brathwaite in collaboration with rising star installation artist Abigail DeVille. She Talks to Beethoven is an audio/visual theater performance that integrates found objects, drawing, silhouette and projection to tell the story of Suzanne Alexander, an African-American woman living in 1961 post-independence Ghana. After the sudden and mysterious disappearance of her husband, she seeks solace in an imaginary world visited by the spirit of composer, Ludwig van Beethoven. Photo of Natalie Paul by Hao Bai.
Feb. 26 – March 1
Imani Uzuri curates: Sinners and Saints
Vocalist, composer and cultural worker Imani Uzuri curates Sinners and Saints, a week of performances exploring Black American vernacular traditions such as Ring Shouts, Spirituals, Field Hollers, Work Songs, Blues, early Gospel and Jazz. The week will celebrate improvisation as an ecstatic tradition and the ways in which secular and sacred often intertwine in these Black American cultural systems. The week will feature contemporary practitioners of these various forms including Rashida Bumbray (Run Mary Run), Karma Mayet Johnson (Indigo, a Blues opera), Imani Uzuri's new band Praise House and more.
Imani Uzuri curates: Sinners and Saints
Vocalist, composer and cultural worker Imani Uzuri curates Sinners and Saints, a week of performances exploring Black American vernacular traditions such as Ring Shouts, Spirituals, Field Hollers, Work Songs, Blues, early Gospel and Jazz. The week will celebrate improvisation as an ecstatic tradition and the ways in which secular and sacred often intertwine in these Black American cultural systems. The week will feature contemporary practitioners of these various forms including Rashida Bumbray (Run Mary Run), Karma Mayet Johnson (Indigo, a Blues opera), Imani Uzuri's new band Praise House and more.
March 7 - 23:
Hoi Polloi: Republic
OBIE-winning theater company, Hoi Polloi, under the direction of Alec Duffy, premieres this dream-like piece inspired by Plato’s Republic – examining morality against the backdrop of an invented city – with text by Noah Mease, set design by OBIE-winner Mimi Lien and featuring actors Jess Barbagallo, Lori Parquet and Jason Quarles.
Hoi Polloi: Republic
OBIE-winning theater company, Hoi Polloi, under the direction of Alec Duffy, premieres this dream-like piece inspired by Plato’s Republic – examining morality against the backdrop of an invented city – with text by Noah Mease, set design by OBIE-winner Mimi Lien and featuring actors Jess Barbagallo, Lori Parquet and Jason Quarles.
March 27 – April 5:
Ike at Night
JACK facilitates the dream of remarkable performer Ike Ufomadu -- described as the son that Woody Allen and Frank Sinatra never had -- of hosting a nightly talk show, complete with a talk show set, guests and a studio audience.
Ike at Night
JACK facilitates the dream of remarkable performer Ike Ufomadu -- described as the son that Woody Allen and Frank Sinatra never had -- of hosting a nightly talk show, complete with a talk show set, guests and a studio audience.
April 10 - 19:
The Georges: 11 Nights
JACK’s house band, The Georges, claims the space for two weeks. Each night begins with the filming of a 30-minute show for cable access TV, after which the audience is taken to a surprise location for an unforgettable experience. Featuring Jason Quarles, Julian Rozzell, Steven Leffue and Alec Duffy. Photo by Tei Blow
The Georges: 11 Nights
JACK’s house band, The Georges, claims the space for two weeks. Each night begins with the filming of a 30-minute show for cable access TV, after which the audience is taken to a surprise location for an unforgettable experience. Featuring Jason Quarles, Julian Rozzell, Steven Leffue and Alec Duffy. Photo by Tei Blow
May 28 – June 29:
The Play Company:
The Sonic Life of a Giant Tortoise
By Toshiki Okada
Directed by Dan Rothenberg (Pig Iron Theatre Co.)
Translated by Aya Ogawa and designed by Mimi Lien
The English-language premiere of this play by groundbreaking playwright Toshiki Okada (pictured) probes the everyday lives of comfortable professionals in their 30s.
The Play Company:
The Sonic Life of a Giant Tortoise
By Toshiki Okada
Directed by Dan Rothenberg (Pig Iron Theatre Co.)
Translated by Aya Ogawa and designed by Mimi Lien
The English-language premiere of this play by groundbreaking playwright Toshiki Okada (pictured) probes the everyday lives of comfortable professionals in their 30s.