"Box" Comes to Ground Floor Theatre
Penfold Theatre's Box hits the stage at the Ground Floor Theatre in one week starting June 23 and going through July 8. Using actual magic, this world premiere by Jarrett King imagines an unwritten chapter in the story of one of history's most overlooked folk heroes, Henry Box Brown.
The second world premiere in a five-year series of new play commissions devoted to the theme of "reimagined classics" Box, directed by Simone Alexander, explores the harrowing life of Henry Box Brown, 19th century abolitionist lecturer, magician, speaker and mesmerist, who escaped slavery at the age of 33 by arranging to have himself mailed in a wooden crate. Using actual events and persons, King's play goes beyond reality with an imaginary chapter of the remarkable life of Henry Box Brown.
Casting includes Jeremy Rashad Brown as Henry "Box" Brown, Yunina Barbour-Payne as Nancy, Lee Eden as Jane, Nathan Jerkins as Lord Bloomfield/Ensemble, Amy McAndrew as Lady Bloomfield/Ensemble, Chelsea Manasseri as Pearl/Ensemble, and Cameron La Brie as Rodgers/Ensemble.
Penfold Theatre Company has served the north Austin metro area for 15 years by telling intimate stories of hope and empathy. The company has reemerged from the pandemic with a particular focus on reimagining classics, which is reflected in the season line-up, as well as in several new initiatives.
In addition to the professional plays and musicals Penfold is known for (Penfold in the Park and the annual holiday radiocasts) new company initiatives include a five-year New Play Commission Series, a new Great Plays in Great Places Series and an Arts Leadership Apprenticeship in partnership with Texas State University.
The aim is that these new programs will have increased impact on the City, Sector and Penfold: City, by investing in Central Texas artists and creating community and dialogue around their work; Sector, by consciously reimagining the classical repertoire for a modern, diverse, local audience; and Penfold, by telling transportive stories that rekindle a sense of shared humanity, empathy and hope.
The Ground Floor Theatre
June 23 - July 8, Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 5pm
For tickets, call (512) 850-4849 or click here!