'Oroonoko' New African-Inspired Musical in US Premiere Feb.2

Theatre for a New Audience is presenting the United States premiere of Biyi Bandele's adaptation of Aphra Behn's Oroonoko, directed by Kate Whoriskey with original music by Juwon Ogungbe, choreographed by Warren Adams and featuring Albert Jones in the title role of an African prince, who, along with his wife, is sold into slavery by one of their own.

Oroonoko begins previews Saturday, February 2, at 8:00pm and opens Sunday, February 10, at 6:30pm (for a run through March 9) at The Duke on 42nd Street, 229 West 42nd Street.

Behn (1640-1689), a former spy, was celebrated by Virginia Woolf as the first professional female author in English and considered by some to be the precursor of Harriet Beecher Stowe. Behn's 1688 Oroonoko is the first English novel to portray black Africans in a positive light.  Her title character, Oroonoko, is a "noble savage" who speaks twelve languages.  When he is chopped into pieces for leading a slave rebellion, Behn's super-hero never flinches and dies smoking a pipe.

But in 1999, when the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) commissioned Mr. Bandele to adapt the Behn novella into a play, Mr. Bandele rejected Behn's Oroonoko as an idealization.  Instead, he explores African identity and portrays Oroonoko and other black Africans as flawed and human. 

Oroonoko premiered at the RSC in 1999 to general acclaim.  A descendant of a returned slave himself, Mr. Bandele's plays have been presented at the RSC, Royal Court and Royal National Theatre. 

Single tickets are $75 and can be purchased by calling 646-223-3010.  For ages 25 and under, $10.00 tickets are available through the Theatre's New Deal ticket program.  New Deal tickets may be purchased for all performances, including day-of or future performances, with valid I.D. anytime during box office hours at The Duke on 42nd Street, 229 West 42nd Street.

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