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Nambi E. Kelley

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Nambi E. Kelley BIO

Nambi E. Kelley is an accomplished and award-winning playwright and actress. Playwriting honors include: New Victory LabWorks Playwright-in Residence. She was chosen by Toni Morrison to adapt her novel JAZZ. Her adaptation of Richard Wright’s NATIVE SON which had its world premiere at Court Theatre has been seen across the country and premiered off-Broadway in 2019 at The Duke on 42nd Street (The Acting Company; AUDELCO Award for “Best Play”). She was a former playwright-in-residence at the National Black Theatre, the Goodman Theatre, and The Dramatists Guild Fellows Program. She is the recipient of the 2020 NNPN annual commission, the Prince Prize 2019, and a Dramatists Guild Foundation Writers Alliance Grant 2018-19. Her other plays include: Xtigone (African-American Shakespeare Co, San Francisco, Spring 2012) and adapting and performing in The Book of Living and Dying, Singapore Arts Festival, summer 2012. Other honors include: Norman Mailer Writing Colony Fellow 2012, La MaMa Playwrights Symposium Playwright-In-Residence in Spoleto, Italy under the tutelage of Lisa Kron and Pulitzer prize winner Lynn Nottage, The Friends Fellowship (Ragdale Foundation), the 3 Arts Fellowship (twice nominated), TCG Candidate for Playwriting: Goodman Theatre, the Eugene O'Neill Playwrights Conference nomination, and was honored at the Black Ensemble Theatre for her contributions in playwriting. Nambi's newly formed production company, First Woman Inc, is currently producing a digital and national tour of Nambi's young audiences' play, JABARI DREAMS OF FREEDOM, directed by Daniel Carlton. Nambi served as a writer on Showtime’s The Chi, a new show to air called Our Kind of People (Fox), and will serve as story editor on an Apple Plus show, TBA. She is also in development with several other film and TV projects.



Also an actress, Nambi has worked on stage and television in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and internationally, playing opposite such artists as Phylicia Rashad, Alfre Woodard, Blair Underwood, and Patrick Swayze.

Nambi E. Kelley Videos

Nambi E. Kelley News

A World Premiere by Pearl Cleage & More Set for Ford's Theatre Society 2023-2024 Season

The Ford’s Theatre has announced its 2023-2024 season, featuring the world premiere of Pearl Cleage’s Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard, directed by Seema Sueko and more.

Tatiana Wechsler, Kaliswa Brewster & More to Star in THREE SISTERS AFTER CHEKHOV Reading at The Acting Company

The Acting Company has announced the complete cast for the reading of Mustapha Matura's new play Three Sisters After Chekhov. This is a part of the Reading Series in honor of The Acting Company's 50th anniversary. 

Keen Company Presents the 2023 KEEN TEENS FESTIVAL OF NEW WORK This Month

Keen Company has announced details for the 2023 Keen Teens Festival of New Work. The festival features three world premiere commissioned one-acts that star New York City highschoolers.

World Premiere of GAS by Charles Cissel to be Presented at Theatre Row in May

Luke Wilson will present the world premiere of Gas by Charles Cissel. Directed by Felicia Lobo, Gas is a visceral exploration of war.

Ezra Knight & Sara Bareilles Join The Acting Company's Annual Reimagined Renaissance Gala

Ezra Knight will host The Acting Company’s annual Reimagined Renaissance Gala, featuring a performance by Sara Bareilles. See how to purchase tickets!

Kate Baldwin, Max von Essen, Marsha Mason & More to Star in THE ROYAL FAMILY Benefit Reading

Keen Company will present a benefit reading of The Royal Family by George Kaufman and Edna Ferber. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets!

A World Premiere & More Set for Court Theatre's 69th Season

Court Theatre has announced its 69th season! See the full programming, and learn how to purchase tickets.

PUBLIC OBSCENITIES Extends for a Second and Final Time at Soho Rep

Soho Rep and the NAATCO National Partnership Project have announced a one-week final extension of the world premiere production of Public Obscenities. See how to purchase tickets!

Rainn Wilson And Dakin Matthews to be Honored at The Acting Company's Annual Reimagined Renaissance Gala

Rainn Wilson will receive the Joan M. Warburg Award Honor and that Dakin Matthews will receive the John Houseman Award Honor, as part of The Acting Company’s annual Reimagined Renaissance Gala on April 24, 2023 at Capitale.

World Premiere of PUBLIC OBSCENITIES Extends at Soho Rep

Soho Rep and the NAATCO National Partnership Project have announced a two-week extension of the world premiere production of Public Obscenities, a bilingual play performed in Bangla and English from writer-director Shayok Misha Chowdhury, co-commissioned and produced by the two organizations.

Kelley Curran, Ben Horner, Elizabeth Stahlmann & More to Star in THE MISANTHROPE Reading at The Acting Company

The Acting Company has announced the cast for their reading of The Misanthrope. Molière's classic play is translated by Neil Bartlett and directed by The Acting Company's Producing Director Devin Brain.

Ford's Theatre Legacy Commissions to Include Works By Cleage, Taylor and Hinds; Readings Set for Next Month

Ford's Theatre Society has announced its lineup and directors of new works to receive premiere readings in February 2023 as a “First Look” of the Lincoln Legacy Commissions.

The Acting Company to Present New York Performances of Louanna O. Carlin & John MacDonald Reading Series

The Acting Company has announced the New York performances for their annual Louanna O. Carlin & John MacDonald Reading Series.

World Premiere of Bangla/English Bilingual Play PUBLIC OBSCENITIES to be Presented at Soho Rep in February

Soho Rep and the NAATCO National Partnership Project will present Public Obscenities, a bilingual play performed in Bangla and English from writer-director Shayok Misha Chowdhury, co-commissioned and produced by the two organizations, February 15-March 26, 2023.

VIDEO: First Look at The Acting Company's THE THREE MUSKETEERS and ROMEO AND JULIET in Repertory

Watch footage of @TheActingCo's The Three Musketeers and Romeo and Juliet playing in repertory at theatres across the country.

New Musical Project THE TEN Currently in Development for Broadway - Listen to a Demo Track Now

Producers Ken Davenport and Primary Wave Music announced the development of The Ten, a new musical project inspired by the power and spiritual energy of gospel, featuring music that also draws from hip-hop, bluegrass, R&B, soul, and the blues.

Fifteen Artists Selected for WP Theater 2022-2024 'PIPELINE' Lab

WP THEATER has announced the fifteen artists selected for the 2022-2024 WP Lab. The two-year residency begins now, and culminates with the biennial WP Pipeline Festival in 2024.

Actor's Workshop and Repertory Company to Present HANDS UP! in October

The Actor’s Workshop & Repertory Co. will present HANDS UP! The New Black Fest’s Hands Up! 7 Playwrights, 7 Testaments on Friday, October 7, Saturday 8 at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, October 9 at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 14, Saturday, 15 at 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, October 16 at 2:00 p.m.

Cast Announced for the World Premiere of THE RIPPLE, THE WAVE THAT CARRIED ME HOME at Berkeley Repertory Theatre

Berkeley Repertory Theatre has announced casting for the world premiere production of the ripple, the wave that carried me home by Christina Anderson, directed by Jackson Gay, and produced in association with Goodman Theatre. 

The Acting Company Announces Casting For its 2022-23 Season

The Acting Company's Artistic Director Kent Gash and Managing Director Erik Schroeder have announced casting for the national tours of The Three Musketeers and Romeo and Juliet launching in New York City and playing over 27 engagements in 16 states.

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