Obi Abili to Star in Irish Rep Revival of Eugene O'Neill's The Emperor Jones
(© Tricia Baron)
Irish Repertory Theatre will present a new production of Eugene O'Neill's The Emperor Jones, running March 1-April 23 under the direction of Ciarán O’Reilly.
The organization first staged the drama in 2009 under O'Reilly's direction, with John Douglas Thompson in the leading role. In this new mounting, the role of Brutus Jones will be played by Obi Abili. The production features choreography by Barry McNabb, lighting design by Brian Nason, set design by Charlie Corcoran, costume design by Antonia Ford Roberts and Whitney Locher, sound design and music by Ryan Rumery and M. Florian Staab), additional music by Christian Frederickson, and puppet and mask design by Bob Flanagan.
The work tells the story of Brutus Jones (Abili), a despot who ascends the throne using lies, intimidation and the politics of fear. Following a prison break in the United States, Jones sets himself up as monarch of a Caribbean island. When the Natives rebel after years of exploitation, Jones’s mesmerizing journey into darkness becomes a terrifying psychological portrayal of power, fear, and madness. With his demons in heavy pursuit, the Emperor is forced to confront not just the mortal sins of his past but also the depravities against his ancestors—all in search of forgiveness and salvation.
Full casting is still to be announced.
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