PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED.
Due to concerns over COVID-19 surges, we have had to delay the opening of our Spring 2022 season. Regrettably this means performances of Classical Theatre of Harlem’s Seize The King have been canceled and due to a company scheduling conflict, are not able to be rescheduled.
“In staking out a new pantheon, one built and inhabited by living Black writers, the Classical Theatre of Harlem plans to seize first the king, then the canon.” — New York Magazine
ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE
With plays like Flow and The Seven, Will Power established a hip-hop theater tradition that grows in influence year after year. With Seize the King, the Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) delivers his propulsive and timely modern reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s Richard III in what The New York Times describes as “an absolute joy to encounter … containing multitudes of beauty.” In this five-person, full-throttle production directed by Carl Cofield, Richard attempts to knock down all threats to his rule while fueling his insatiable ambition and paranoia. Even if he can be stopped – who can ensure it won’t happen again?
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
The Classical Theatre of Harlem (Ty Jones, Artistic Director) is an American theatre company that tells stories through the lens of the African diaspora. Established in 1999, CTH combines original adaptations, music, and dance to present great classics of world literature and contemporary works that will stand the test of time. cthnyc.org
CHEAT SHEET
• We really love an adaptation! – especially one that breathes new life into a classic. Shakespeare was always meant to be art for the people, so updates that bring it into contemporary parlance can allow us to experience something closer to the original experience.
• We love to expand our canons! – the Classical Theatre of Harlem’s juxtaposition of African diasporic imagery and themes with the Bard is a kind of comparative literature in action, and it brings a fresh perspective to both traditions.
• Even if you don’t know Richard III, you have probably quoted famous phrases from it – “my kingdom for a horse,” anyone? This adaptation is in contemporary verse, giving these iconic phrases a new twist – come hear your new idioms.
HEALTH & SAFETY
All audience members must show proof of full COVID19 vaccination, including boosters if eligible, and be masked to enter the theater. Read our full health and safety policies here.
NYU DEPARTMENT CO-SPONSORS
College of Arts and Science’s program in Dramatic Literature, Institute of African American Affairs & Center for Black Visual Culture, Tisch Dance, Tisch Drama
SUPPORT
NYU Skirball’s programs are made possible with support from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and by Howard Gilman Foundation, Collins Building Services, Consolidated Edison, Harkness Foundation for Dance, DuBose & Dorothy Heyward Memorial Fund, New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Mertz Gilmore Foundation, and Marta Heflin Foundation, as well as our valued donors through memberships and commissioning fund support.
