About the show
In a 2018 poll by critics of The New York Times, An Octoroon was ranked the second-greatest American play of the past 25 years. When it premiered, it was called “this decade’s most eloquent statement on race in America today.” (The New York Times). Dion Boucicault’s 1859 melodrama The Octoroon, about a man who scandalously falls for a slave on his Louisiana plantation, helped fan the flames of the American Civil War. The dazzling African American playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins has torn apart and rebuilt the original text as a towering and very funny theatrical experience that critiques historical representations of race with searing wit and startling honesty.
Celebrated American actor, educator and director Timothy Douglas, who has helmed more than 100 productions across major American theatres, makes his Australian directorial debut.
Timothy Douglas has directed over 100 plays, musicals, and opera. Recent credits include The Color Purple Signature Theatre (Helen Hayes Award for best musical), the U.S. premiere of Natasha Gordon’s Nine Night Roundhouse Theatre, Champion Boston Lyric Opera, Blue New Orleans Opera, the premiere of Something Happened in Our Town Children’s Theatre Company, the U.S. premiere of Tristan Bernays’ adaptation of Frankenstein Classic Stage Company Off-Broadway, and the Great Theatre of China’s production/tour of Ayad Akhtar’s Disgraced.
He has made productions for American Conservatory Theater, Arena Stage, Berkeley Rep, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cleveland Playhouse, Denver Center, Downstage New Zealand, Folger Shakespeare Theatre, Guthrie Theater, Juilliard School, Kennedy Center, Mark Taper Forum, Milwaukee Rep, Portland Center Stage, Red Bull, Steppenwolf, among many others, including Yale Rep with the premiere of August Wilson’s Radio Golf. Upcoming; the premieres of Safronia Lyric Opera of Chicago, and She Who Dared Chicago Opera Theater. timothydouglas.org
The function of freedom is to free someone else … Toni Morrison
To free the voice is to free the actor … Kristin Linklater
There is an authentic and synthesizing, (alchemical, really) moment that occurs in this production of An Octoroon, during which two slave gals – with purity, simplicity, and divine conviction – make an irrefutable case for their remaining in captivity. It is within this revelation of paradoxical clarity that a genuine revolution emerges! What a revealing privilege it is for me to have joined with these lighted beings ‘still in the process of becoming’, as they wrestle with difficult history while challenging theatrical truths in ‘the moment before’ their collective professional launch.
If you surrendered to the air, you could ride it … Toni Morrison
Don’t postpone joy … Kristin Linklater
– Timothy Douglas
Uses caricatures and satire to challenge racial injustices. It features murders, depictions of racially motivated violence, and obscene language including racial slurs. The production features haze and smoke effects and loud noises. Advice may change.
The Company
CAST (in order of appearance)
BJJ, George, M’Closky – Bakri Idris Mohamed
Playwright, Wahnotee, Lafouche – Jack Bridges
Assistant, Pete, Paul – Cameron Steven
Dido – Bon Bon Mpofu
Minnie – Brightholly Nininahazwe
Dora – Ella Sexton
Zoe – Celesté Cortes-Davis
Grace, Br’er Rabbit – Rachel Crossan
Ratts, Understudy – Reid Hudson
Understudies
Rohan Deepak
Antonia Janji
Mary-Jade Owusu-Ansah
Gabrielle Oxley
Ruva Shoko
Director – Timothy Douglas*
Costume Designer – Paris Koppens
Lighting Concept by – Jemima Owen
Lighting Realised by – Joseph Mercurio**
Set/Props Designer – Geita Goarin
Sound Designer – Jasmine Power
Voice Coach – Angela Sullen*
Assistant Director – Clement Rukundo
Assistant Director – Harrison Simmons
Production Stage Manager – Adetokunbo Abioye
Deputy Stage Manager – Thomas Shepherd
Assistant Stage Manager – Alegra (Reyn) Penrose
Assistant Stage Manager – Eloise Tanti
Construction Manager – Angus Nott*
Head Scenic Art – Karen Scribbins*
Costume Supervisor – Sam Hernandez
Properties Supervisor – Samantha Yue Ting Lim
Head Electrician – Thomas Howieson
Leading Hand Set – Evangelina Doosey Shaw
Costume Maker – Danielle Schache
Costume Maker – Giulia Zanardo
Costume Maker – Siann Luu
Costume Maker – Jessica Marshall
Costume Maker – Imahn Pholi
Properties Maker – Caleb Jackson
Costume Design Assistant – Harry Robinson
Set/Props Design Assistant – Joey McKenzie
Costume Assistant/Dresser – Mali Smedts
Properties Assistant – Millie Rollason
Scenic Art Assistant – Zali Kassi*
Scenic Art Assistant – Nathan Hawks*
Set Assistant – Ingo Cottier
Set Assistant – Jonathan Hartley
Set Assistant – Luka Mark
Set Assistant – Jamie Sellar
Set Assistant – Emile Stuart
Floor Electrician/Board Operator – Jonathan Ogilvie
Make-up Artist – Theodore Herbert
Make-up Artist – Lily New
Make-up Artist – Miranda Reid
Make-up Artist – Olivia Lovelock
Key
*Guest Artist
** NIDA Staff
Gallery
This production is supported by the Keir Foundation.
