She of The Voice
Written by:: Eliza Bent (adapted by Eliza Bent from Hari Kunzru)
Directed by: José Zayas
Performed by: Nnadi Harriott, Michael James, LeeAnet Noble, Nikaury Rodriguez, Julia Sirna-Frest, Sam Sogur*With a special appearance by Bunkweave (Greg Portz + Julie Galorenzo)
Video: Keith Skretch Set & Costume: Ásta Bennie Hostetter Lights: Yi Zhao, Choreography: Rebecca Marzalek-Kellly
Stage Manager: Teddy Nicholas
She of the Voice, Eliza Bent’s adaptation of Hari Kunzru’s short story “Magda Mandela,” simmers with video, dance, soundscape + song. A Greek chorus of urbanites dwell alongside the larger-than-life Magda whose constant preaching and outrageous, vigilante antics provide a wealth of gossip–and headaches–for her fellow citizens. Magda may parade around in a lime green thong, offer up endless aphorisms, and declare herself kin to Nelson Mandela. Yet her calls to arms–though observed–for the most part, remain ignored. Is Magda a wise fool or crazy neighbor? In a fractured, apathetic world, can community exist if no one listens? Though comedic in tone, at the heart of She of the Voice is an exploration of human fellowship.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Thinking Person’s Theatre is a mish mash of fun artists who enjoy making rigorous, experimental work with a sense of humor. She of the Voice is the group’s debut production.
PROJECT HISTORY
Award-winning author Hari Kunzru’s short story “Magda Mandela” appeared in The New Yorker in August 2007. Bent’s adaptation, She of the Voice, was developed a year later through a Theatre Communications space grant. undergroundzero festival will mark its first production.
undergroundzero 