Words of the Prophets
Multiple dates and times
the cell theatre, 10011
Description
Words of the Prophets by Vayl Larkin, marks the third project in The Why Collective’s four-show series while in residence at Nancy Manocherian’s the cell theatre. This one-act theatrical poem weaves lyrical language, dance and movement, and an original, experimental score into the stories of five characters experiencing homelessness. A trans sex worker, a war veteran experiencing PTSD, a wheelchair-using skater youth, a woman with schizophrenia, and a busking musician make up an ensemble of characters that tell the story of the dangerous and unforgiving landscape of homelessness in America and the redemptive and joyful experiences that can be found as well. The creative team believes that to understand the truth, and hope to heal it, we must see it all without filter, and the play seeks to promote empathy above all.
This workshop features a diverse cast and creative team, the majority of which has personal experience with homelessness or housing insecurity, and it employs a number of disabled artists, including wheelchair users and Deaf artists. As such, this workshop seeks to be accessible to the d/Deaf community, as well as providing ADA-accessible seating.
CAST (in order of appearance):
Julian Wild, Narrator Body; Dickie Hearts, Narrator ASL; Norm Mattox, Storyteller Voice; Alberto Medero, Storyteller ASL; JNK Enzo, Graffiti Body; Justin B. Withers, Broadside Body; DeMarco Sleeper, Ballet Body; Mary-Angela Granberry, Trompe-l’œil Body
CREATIVE TEAM
Vayl Larkin, Playwright; JNK Enzo, Director; Maleni Chaitoo, Director of Artistic Sign Language; Sydney Anderson, Music Director/Executive Producer; Julian Wild, Director of Production/Technical Director; Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, Dramaturg; Elemen2al the Poet, Poetry/Bias Consultant
COMPOSERS
Derek Weagle, Graffiti Scene; Vasily Ratmansky, Broadside Scene; Elizabeth Gartman, Ballet Scene; Tyson Gholston Davis, Trompe-l’œil Scene; Julian Wild, Narrator Scene
DATES
Friday, April 21 - 7:30pm (*Talkback with Creative Team after performance)
Saturday, April 22 - 2:00pm and 7:30pm
Sunday, April 23 - 3pm (*Talkback with creative team and select cast members after performance)
Ticket tiers:
General Admission: $45
Disabled/Student Ticket: $20
Livestream: $20
*Livestream available for free with a $20 Suggested Donation on Sunday. Video will be available to all Livestream ticket holders for on-demand viewing for one month after the performance.
Artist Tip - Suggested Donation: $5
*100% of donations collected here will go to the performing artists in this workshop.
Notes:
*Proceeds from general ticket sales will be donated SisTers PGH and #StopKillingUs, both Black- and trans-led community organizations, providing daytime respite and support services tailored to the needs of the trans community. Please consider this as you choose the ticket tier based on your means.
*The Why Collective is committed to creating accessible and affordable art, and we don’t want cost to prevent anyone from experiencing this piece. To inquire about a sliding scale or free access to view the piece either virtually or in-person, email thewhycollective@gmail.com.
Location
the cell theatre, 10011