By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor
Getty Villa Museum and Classical Theatre of Harlem will present the world premiere of “Memnon,” beginning in September, with tickets now on sale.
Classical Theatre of Harlem is an American theater company that tells stories “through the lens of the African diaspora,” according to Getty Villa. The organization combines original adaptations, music and dance to present classics of world literature and contemporary works.
“With bold, vivid language and gripping dramatic conflict, ‘Memnon’ tells the tale of an Ethiopian king who journeys to the city of Troy to fight alongside the Trojans in their darkest hour,” according to Getty Villa. “This epic story, from the ancient Greek legend of the fall of Troy, has been overlooked for over a millennium, until now.”
Classical Theatre of Harlem previously performed a virtual rendition of “Memnon” in 2022 as part of the Getty Villa Museum’s Theater Lab Program.
“Memnon” is directed by Associate Artistic Director of the Classical Theatre of Harlem Carl Cofield and written by Will Power.
“I’m delighted to partner again with Will Power to bring this remarkable story to the forefront of our mythology,” Cofield said in a statement. “This is exactly the type of work that inspires me. Stories that force us to ask big questions and interrogate inherited folklore.”
The cast includes Eric Berryman in the title role of Memnon, Jennifer Mogbock as Helen and Daniel Molina as Polydamas/Antilochus. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.
“Memnon” features choreography by EMERGE125 Executive Artistic Director Tiffany Rea-Fisher, set design by Riw Rakkulchon, costumes by Celeste Jennings, lighting design by Brandon Baruch, original composition and sound design by David R. Molina, and projection design by Yee Eun Nam.
“We are thrilled to welcome the esteemed Classical Theatre of Harlem to the Getty Villa for their first major West Coast theatrical production as part of our annual outdoor theater program,” Maria Hummer-Tuttle and Robert Tuttle Director of the Getty Museum Timothy Potts said in a statement. “The Villa’s theater program bridges the past and the present, showcasing the continuing relevance of classical dramas to modern day audiences. The world premiere of ‘Memnon’ this September is a must-see for all.”
Performances of “Memnon” will run Thursdays through Saturdays, September 5 through September 28, at 8 p.m. Previews of the show will run August 29 through August 31 at 8 p.m.
American Sign Language interpreted performances will take place on September 19 and 26.
Tickets for the show are available and on sale. Thursday night performances are $45, or $40 for students and seniors; Friday night performances are $50, and Saturday night performances are $55. Student and senior discounts are only available for Thursday night performances.
Ticket prices for the preview shows are $30.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit getty.edu/visit/cal/performances.html or call 310-440-7300.
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