Tymisha Harris Takes Her Acclaimed JOSEPHINE to The Ren

Renaissance Theatre Company presents local legend Tymisha Harris starring in her acclaimed "Josephine" March 9-19, 2023. Josephine is a biographical musical that combines cabaret, theatre and dance to tell the story of the iconic Josephine Baker, the first Black international superstar and one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th Century. Seen on stages around the world, including a 2018 off-Broadway run, the show now returns to Harris' hometown of Orlando.

"Even after seven years, the show continues to evolve," says Harris. "With the release of new classified intelligence from WWII by the French a few years back, we learned much more about Josephine's time as a spy, and we wanted to incorporate that into the play. With other changes, the expanded show now runs a full 90 minutes. Orlando is my home. It's always been my favorite place to debut new material, and I knew the Ren would be the perfect place for us to make our homecoming with this new version."

"At Renaissance Theatre Company, we champion original work created by local artists," adds the Ren Co-Founder Donald Rupe. "Josephine is written, directed and performed by some of the most talented artists in Orlando, and it tells a beautiful story about one of history's most iconic performers. We're so proud to feature this work on our stage."

Josephine Baker was born in St. Louis in 1906 and achieved only moderate success in the United States, but became an international superstar after moving to Europe in 1924. She starred alongside white romantic leading men in films in the 30's, had multiple interracial marriages and homosexual relationships and performed in men's clothing before the term "drag" was commonly used and known. She was a spy for the French Resistance in WWII, a civil rights activist and mother to 12 adopted children. Her success often gave her the opportunity to live free from the racial oppression of her home nation, though she never stopped yearning for acceptance in America.

Josephine is performed by Tymisha Harris and was created by Tymisha Harris, Michael Marinaccio and Tod Kimbro.

Renaissance Theatre Company (or the Ren) was founded by Donald Rupe and Chris Kampmeier in February 2021. The Ren moved into its new 15,468 square foot theatre space in Loch Haven Park in Summer 2021. The Ren is dedicated to bringing original theatre to Orlando and beyond. Through fair pay for artists, sustainability and diversity, the company hopes to grow a new audience for theatre in Orlando.

Experience Josephine, playing select nights March 9-19, 2023 at Renaissance Theatre Company located at 415 E. Princeton Street, Orlando, FL 32803. Tickets are $30. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit www.rentheatre.com.

To post a comment, you must register and login.