“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 Michele Baldwin, Maurio Brown, Nic Brown, Jade Elle, Michael Green, Fulton Hodges, Tatiana Perry, Alton Ray, Benjamin Rowe, Gil Tucker, Adrain Washington, Kenya Wilson
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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
