“Arguably the most successful Black theatre group in the world,” (American Theatre) the Negro Ensemble Company performs a new production of Douglas Turner Ward’s Day of Absence, marking the 60th anniversary of when the group premiered the work off-Broadway. Described as a reverse minstrel show, with Black actors in whiteface, the play tells the story of an average Southern town that awakes to find all its Black residents have disappeared. “Ward’s wit is scathing” (The New York Times) in this comedic and pointed commentary on systemic racism that still bears relevance today.
Day of Absence performances will include the world premiere of Remaining Absent, a short epilogue by Cris Eli Blak. This companion piece will feature actors from the Day of Absence cast.
Director Patricia R. Floyd
Technical Director Omar Jaslin
Lighting Designer Antoinette Tynes
Sound Designers David Wright and Patricia R. Floyd
Projection Designer Michele Baldwin
Production Stage Manager Lawrence Floyd
Stage Manager Liam Riordan
Cast
Mary Michele Baldwin
John/Aide Maurio Brown
Announcer/Dust Man Nicholas Brown
Chloe Kingston/Ensemble Jade Elle
Luke/Pious Fulton C. Hodges
Third Operator/Doll Woman/Man #3 Jade Mason
Industrialist/Coach Saul Sean Phillips
Jackson/Jam Eazy Alton Ray
Mayor Benjamin Rowe
Rastus/Businessman/Mop Man Nathaniel Ryan
Second Operator/Courier Tatiana Skyy
Clem/Clan Gilbert Tucker
Commissioner/First Operator/Club Woman Kenya Wilson
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Feb 7:
Join us for a post-show discussion moderated by Dr. Herman Beavers, Julie Beren Platt and Marc E. Platt President’s Distinguished Professor of English and Africana Studies.
Feb 8:
Stay after the performance to partake in group discussions about Day of Absence facilitated by Penn's SNF Paideia program.
The Negro Ensemble Company’s performances are made possible in part with support provided by the Penn Live Arts Accelerator Program.
Photo credit: Tanja Hayes
