Tag: contemporary american theatre festival

Here’s a shot of the genius crew I get to remotely work with to make THE HOUSE OF THE NEGRO INSANE a reality. Despite the world premiere of the play being pushed back to 2021 (yes, I’m hopeful that society won’t completely collapse before then), CATF is moving ahead with the design phase, and something* will possibly happen this year.

Clockwise from top left: Tamilla Woodard, director; me; Johnathan Alexander, lighting design; Sharath Patel, sound design; Claire DeLiso, set design; Shane Ballard, costume design.

This is one of the most exciting times in the process for me, as the play officially moves out of my head and other folks start to shape the look, sound and feel of the production.

* I’m not sure what kind of something CATF has in the works for this year yet, but as soon as I can spoil whatever they’re scheming I will…

Forced to isolate, the Contemporary American Theatre Festival created a virtual gala on Facebook to announce their new season (including THE HOUSE OF THE NEGRO INSANE). Big up to the amazing actor David Toney, who bravely performed an excerpt from THOTNI into his phone. These are uncertain days, and despite the distance (all participants were in different locations) it was a welcome shot of hope to watch all these folks who are so committed to bringing theatre to the people.

CATF Artistic Director Ed Herendeen closed with these words: “We’re going to keep you posted. I will not give up hope that we do the festival this season, and if things don’t work out that way… you will see all six of these plays later… whether that means 2020 or 2021.”

More info on the CATF website.
Broadway World: CATF Reschedules 2020 Season.