The Corpse Washer – March 1–April 7 – Actors Theatre’s 43rd Humana Festival of New American Plays – Bingham Theatre

In an Iraq beset by decades of war and occupation, Jawad faces a difficult choice. Must he follow in his father’s footsteps washing the bodies of the dead—an honored Muslim tradition—or can he pursue his dreams of being an artist? Adapted from Iraqi writer Sinan Antoon’s award-winning novel, The Corpse Washer is a haunting portrait of a young man coming of age and a society’s fight for survival, in a country where life and death are inextricably intertwined.

Audience advisory: Contains strong language and discussion of war violence.
Age recommendation: 16+

adapted for the stage by Ismail Khalidi and Naomi Wallace
from the novel of the same name by Sinan Antoon
directed by Mark Brokaw
commissioned by Actors Theatre of Louisville (more…)

“Everybody Black” – Actors Theatre’s 43rd Humana Festival of New American Plays – March 19 – April 7 at Pamela Brown Auditorium

When some wealthy white folks offer a big paycheck, a black historian agrees to write the definitive version of The Black Experience™. The problem is, the historian has never met another black person. What emerges is a blisteringly funny satire filled with unforgettable characters, including a brazen Barack Obama here to set the record straight, and a talk show about black people addicted to dating white people. With searing wit and bold candor, Everybody Black explores how we chronicle—and make sense of—Black History.

by Dave Harris
directed by Awoye Timpo (more…)