Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Toronto, ON – April 18th 2012. Founding member and Artistic Director Philip Akin is pleased to announce Obsidian Theatre’s 13th season. With both a Canadian and World premiere in the works, Obsidian stands once again poised at the helm of Contemporary Black Theatre.
“This season is one of such remarkable ideas and complex themes. Both these plays will challenge how we understand our own nature in any world that is governed and created by others. It explores how we survive and how we strive to escape the boundaries placed around us. I am so pleased to be able to bring these plays to Toronto and begin the discussion” says Akin, Artistic Director.
WORLD PREMIERE
Shakespeare’s Nigga
By Joseph Jomo Pierre Directed by Philip Akin February 7th - February 23rd Obsidian Theatre in association with Theatre Passe Muraille and 3D Atomic
SHAKESPEARE: Surely I have lost control; but I did love you Aaron. I created you all, loved you all.
AARON: Then, why was my tongue tied so tight?
Two iconic black characters in Shakespeare’s work are brought to life in this visionary play. The piece takes you on a journey into the hearts and minds of Othello and Titus Andronicus’s Aaron as they confront their creator. This play is subversive and poetic. It will dare you to see Shakespeare in a whole new light.
Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace 16 Ryerson Avenue Toronto, ON M5T 2P3
*cast and crew to be announced at a later date
CANADIAN PREMIERE
The Whipping Man
By Matthew Lopez
Directed by Philip Akin
March 16th –April 14th Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company in association with Obsidian Theatre
"Haunting, striking, and powerful"The New York Times "The audacious work marks the debut of a Fresh Talent"Associated Press
It is Passover, 1865. The Civil War has just ended and the annual celebration of freedom from bondage is being observed in Jewish homes across the country. One of these homes, belonging to the DeLeons of Virginia, sits in ruins. Confederate officer Caleb DeLeon has returned from the war to find his family missing and only two former slaves remaining. As they wait for the family's return, they wrestle with their shared past as master and slave, digging up long-buried family secrets along the way as well as new ones. Slavery and war, they discover, warp even good men's souls.
Toronto Centre for the Arts - Studio Theatre 5040 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M2N 6R8
*cast and crew to be announced at a later date
Illustration: Poster for the Baltimore production of The Whipping Man at Centerstage. ©2012 Centerstage.
2012-04-18
Toronto: Obsidian Theatre Company announces its 2012/13 season