Getty and the Classical Theatre of Harlem to Present MEMNON World Premiere

This fall, the Getty Villa Museum and the Classical Theatre of Harlem will present the world premiere of Memnon for the 18th annual Villa Outdoor Classical Theater production.

With bold, vivid language and gripping dramatic conflict, Memnon tells the tale of an Ethiopian king who journeys to the city of Troy to fight alongside the Trojans in their darkest hour. This epic story, from the ancient Greek legend of the fall of Troy, has been overlooked for over a millennium, until now.
Memnon is directed by Carl Cofield, associate artistic director of the Classical Theatre of Harlem, and is written by Will Power.

In 2022, the Classical Theatre of Harlem performed a virtual rendition of Memnon as part of the Getty Villa Museum’s Theater Lab program.

“We are thrilled to welcome the esteemed Classical Theatre of Harlem to the Getty Villa for their first major West Coast theatrical production as part of our annual outdoor theater program,” says Timothy Potts, Maria Hummer-Tuttle and Robert Tuttle Director of the Getty Museum. “The Villa’s theater program bridges the past and the present, showcasing the continuing relevance of classical dramas to modern day audiences. The world premiere of Memnon this September is a must-see for all.”

The Memnon cast includes Eric Berryman in the title role of Memnon, Jennifer Mogbock as Helen, and Daniel Molina as Polydamas/Antilochus. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

“The Classical Theatre of Harlem looks forward to its West Coast debut with the illustrious Getty Villa Museum,” says Ty Jones, producing artistic director of the Classical Theatre of Harlem. “It's an ambitious opportunity for CTH to share its mission nationally, and reuniting Carl Cofield, Tiffany Rea-Fisher, and Will Power for this endeavor sets us up for success.”

“For far too long, the story of Memnon has gone unnoticed,” says Carl Cofield, associate artistic director of the Classical Theatre of Harlem. “I’m delighted to partner again with Will Power to bring this remarkable story to the forefront of our mythology. This is exactly the type of work that inspires me. Stories that force us to ask big questions and interrogate inherited folklore.”

The play will feature choreography by Tiffany Rea-Fisher, executive artistic director of EMERGE125, set design by Riw Rakkulchon, costumes by Celeste Jennings, lighting design by Brandon Baruch, original composition and sound design by David R. Molina, and production design by Yee Eun Nam.

“The Classical Theatre of Harlem and the Getty Villa are two organizations that are both producing exciting work that presents classically themed theater in highly innovative ways for engaged audiences,” says Will Power, playwright. “I am honored to bring this world premiere of Memnon to the city of Los Angeles. I so look forward to the conversation that this old/new tale might spark!”

Performances of Memnon will be held Thursdays through Saturdays, September 5–28, at 8 pm, with previews on August 29–31, at 8 pm. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted performances will take place on September 19 and 26.

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