Negro Ensemble Company: Day of Absence at Penn Live Arts

“Arguably the most successful Black theatre group in the world,” (American Theatre) the Negro Ensemble Company performs a new production of Douglas Turner Ward’s Day of Absence, marking the 60th anniversary of when the group premiered the work off-Broadway. Described as a reverse minstrel show, with Black actors in whiteface, the play tells the story of an average Southern town that awakes to find all its Black residents have disappeared. “Ward’s wit is scathing” (The New York Times) in this comedic and pointed commentary on systemic racism that still bears relevance today.

Day of Absence performances will include the world premiere of Remaining Absent, a short epilogue by Cris Eli Blak. This companion piece will feature actors from the Day of Absence cast.