Founding artistic director Jeffrey Horowitz and managing director Dorothy Ryan announced the 2007-2008 lineup Aug. 7 for the company's 29th season. Billed under the title "Africa, Europe, America: Exploring the Connections," the company will perform at The Duke on 42nd Street.
"For centuries, Africa has captivated the Western imagination. At the same time, the 'dark continent's' rich resources — including its human resources — have been exploited by Westerners in the most brutal ways imaginable," said Horowitz in the announcement. "This year, we explore three European and American works depicting this collision of civilizations."
Theatre for a New Audience's season (subject to change) follows:
Lisa Gay Hamilton (Gem of the Ocean, "The Practice") stars as a "fictional African American writer, whose life both is and is not based on Ms. Kennedy's own life experiences," reads show notes. "When Suzanne enters Ohio State in the 1950's, little does she know that the safe haven of academia conceals forces of racism. Years later, Suzanne is invited to return to the University to talk about the violence in her writing. A dark mystery unravels."
Daniel Breaker (Passing Strange, Well) stars in this work based on a novella by Aphra Behn and featuring original music by Juwon Ogungbe. The Royal Shakespeare Company commissioned (and debuted) the work penned by Nigerian writer and England resident from the 1688 novella. "With vibrant words, drumming and dance based on Yoruba culture, Mr. Bandele tells a tragic love story, a journey from kingship to slavery, rebellion and death [from the first professional female author in Europe]... based on tales told by the African slaves brought over by the Dutch."
Christine Baranski (Regrets Only, "Chicago," "Cybill") takes on the role of the Egyptian queen for an intimate staging of "Shakespeare's unforgettable study of mature lovers who sacrifice all for love [which] is also a study in two cultures: the formality of Rome pitted against the sensuality of Roman Egypt." Subscriptions are available for purchase by calling (212) 229-2819, ext. 10. Single tickets are also on sale through (646) 223-3010. The Duke is located at 229 West 42nd Street. For more information visit tfana.org.
