theHegira presents its inaugural season 2008-2009!
a developmental workshop
Anna K
written by Jacqueline E. Lawton
directed by Shirley Serotsky
set design by Hannah J. Crowell
costume design by Erin Nugent
lighting design by Kristin A. Thompson
sound design by Matthew Nielson
choreography by Omoro Omoighe
dramaturgy by Rachel Miller
Featuring: Erica Chamblee, Kristen Egermeier, Danny Gavigan, Theo Hadjmichael, Adrienne Nelson, Jessica Rodriguez, Theodore Snead, and Scott Zeigler.
Round House Theatre Silver Spring
Workshop Performances ~ February 19- March 1, 2009
Anna Karenina is Tolstoy's classic take about love and adultery set against the backdrop of high society Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Keeping with the rich, complex, and masterful cultural setting, Anna K is set in Paris during the 1920's, at a time when African-American artists fled America to the city of lights, love and opportunity and the DADA movement swept through Europe in response to WWI. This provocative and challenging adaptation follows Anna K as she struggles to leave a loveless marriage and her young adoring son so that she might achieve a successful career and embrace the love of her life, only to face her painfully, tragic demise. It also follows Levin, an awkward, self-deprecating though highly skilled and talented DADA artist, who journeys to Paris in search of love, acceptance, and artistic recognition.
photo: Walery Studio © Hulton Archive.
Anna K Production Photos
a world premiere production
Deep Belly Beautiful
written by Jacqueline E. Lawton
directed by Danielle A. Drakes
set design by Hannah J. Crowell
costume design by Erin Nugent
lighting design by Brian S. Allard
sound design by Elisheba Ittoop
fight choreography by Chris Niebling
Featuring: Lucretia Anderson, Tony Bullock, Felipe Cabezas, Maboud Ebrahimzadeh, Jodi Niehoff, Michael Sainte-Andress, Rosie Sowa, Anastasia Wilson
~Mead Theatre Lab Program at Flashpoint DC
Performances March 31- April 26, 2009
A bold and daring tale of the tortured artist. Ms. Lawton asks her audience to bear witness, while she reexamines the definitions of right and wrong. It is the story of grace achieved through sex, revenge, betrayal, addiction, and cannibalism. The play follows Anna Lee, a wood sculptress, who celebrates her sixth wedding anniversary to her unwilling, estranged alcoholic husband, Luke. His fate is dependent upon the questionable skills of Fanny, a detective with a shilling past; Elyse, his devoted and long-time lover; and Jack, his best friend, whose lack of morals and loyalty to no one may be the death of them all.
photo © Jordan Miller for openphoto.net
Deep Belly Beautiful Production Photos
Review: About Deep Belly Beautiful:
"This is the debut season for theHegira, whose purpose is to showcase the artistry of women of color... Works like Deep Belly Beautiful push the envelope, thrust beyond glass ceilings, walls and stairways, and into fascinating territory with bizarre characters and twists."
"Director Danielle Drakes maintains a sure and steady hand gently pacing the action and creative tension among the sordid players."
"Lawton's prolific outpouring over the last several years has been noteworthy. She has a tendency to write like a stew, with tasty ingredients chopped and swirling in a bubbly cauldrn. Her moments between characters are real and intense and scalding hot. She pierces into interior emotional spaces, including ugly crevices, and displays the results for all to see. It's quite intriguing to watch the unfolding in poetic language and lyrical passages."
"Anastasia Wilson's Anna Lee is a delightfully willful charmer...she plays the character with drop-dead gorgeous control and a cool that is chilling to the bone."
"Tony Bullock as her conflicted and tormented husband Luke is the other shining star in this full cast, with eyes that gleam with artistic appreciation..."
"Rosie Sowa as Carmen who struts and sings and commands attention..."
-- DC Theatre Scene