Castillo Theatre Presents THE TASK

The promise of revolution comes to Jamaica in 1799, as the timeless themes of love, loss and betrayal collide in The Task by acclaimed German avant-garde playwright, Heiner Müller. The Task, performed by an all-Black cast opens Friday, January 22 and runs through February 21 at the Castillo Theatre, 543 West 42nd Street.

In the play, three revolutionaries from France- Debuisson, a wealthy white slaveowner; Galloudec, a poor white peasant; and Sasportas, a former slave arrive in Jamaica to lead a slave rebellion. When an order from Paris cancels their task, the promise of liberation is abruptly broken and each of the revolutionaries must choose his course.

Castillo continues expanding the boundaries of political, avant-garde and Black theatre drawing on its long history with all three genres. "At Castillo, we have been producing Müller for diverse audiences for over two decades" said Gabrielle L. Kurlander, who has directed a number of these productions. "Doing The Task with an all-Black cast has opened up new meanings and emotions in the play," says Kurlander. "Mixing the voices and stylings of Black performers with a play by a European communist and a score by a Jewish-American postmodern progressive is producing an unusual artistic experience."

The production features original songs by Fred Newman, Castillo's artistic director emeritus. Of the funny, satirical and sexually explicit music, Woodie King, Jr, of the New Federal Theatre said, "The music and lyrics by Fred Newman are excellent and accomplished, like the best of Weill and Brecht." The production also features a song by Billy Taylor and other music from the jazz and gospel repertory, as well as rap.

The Task runs from January 22 through February 21, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. The Castillo Theatre is located at 543 West 42nd Street, between 10th & 11th Avenues. Tickets are $35 for adults, $10 for students and seniors. Group rates are available. Tickets can be purchased through the Castillo Box Office at 212-941-1234 or on line at www.castillo.org.

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