Casting Announced for Shadow/Land at the Public Theater

The Public Theater has announced complete casting for the staged world premiere of Shadow/Land, written by inaugural Ntozake Shange Social Justice Theater Playwright-in-Residence Erika Dickerson-Despenza. Directed by Candis C. Jones, performances will run April 20-May 21, with an official May 4 opening. The first preview will be a Joseph Papp Free Performance.

Shadow/Land is described as a "lyrical meditation on legacy, erotic fugitivity, and self-determination." It is the first installment of a 10-play cycle traversing the Katrina diaspora in an examination of the ongoing effects of disaster, evacuation, displacement, and urban renewal rippling in and beyond New Orleans.

The complete cast features Joniece Abbott-Pratt (Ruth), Lynnette R. Freeman (Ruth Understudy), Perri Gaffney (Magalee Understudy), Lizan Mitchell (Magalee), Christine Shepard (Grand Marshal), and Joy-Marie Thompson (Grand Marshal Understudy).

The creative team includes scenic design by Jason Ardizzone-West; costume design by Azalea Fairley; lighting design by Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew; sound design by Palmer Hefferan; hair, wig, and makeup design by Earon Chew Nealey; music composition by Delfeayo Marsalis; and intimacy direction by Ann James. Janelle Caso serves as production stage manager.