Parks, known as the playwright of Topdog/Underdog and 365 Days/365 Plays, will head a cast that includes newly announced actors Nicole Beharie, Seth Gilliam, Patrice Johnson, James McDaniel, Joan MacIntosh, Lucas Papaelias and Frederick Weller.

Jo Bonney (subUrbia, All That I Will Ever Be) is set to direct the multimedia production that runs through 28.

Press notes for the work state, "Parks takes the stage to play the role of our guide leading through a multimedia epic tale about slavery, war, freedom, and the difficulty of family ties. Part I tells the story of Penny, a slave, awaiting her husband’s return from the Civil War while resisting her own desire to flee with a band of runaway slaves. Parts 8 & 9, set in present day, follow a Poet-General struggling with the reality of his impending death while he plans his annual celebration for the army troops."

The Public LAB presentation will have scenic design by Neil Patel, costume design by Emilio Sosa, lighting design by Lap Chi Chu, sound design by Dan Moses Schreier and video design by Shawn Sagady.

A collaboration between the Public and LAByrinth Theater Company, the Public LAB offers theatregoers the opportunity to witness developing work from emerging and established playwrights. The swiftly rehearsed, stripped-down presentations are presented for only $10.

For tickets phone (212) 967-7555 or visit PublicTheater.

The Public Theater is located at 425 Lafayette Street in Manhattan.