A.C.T. Announces Cast of Mfoniso Udofia's HER PORTMANTEAU

American Conservatory Theater(A.C.T.) Artistic Director Pam MacKinnon announced today casting for Her Portmanteau, Mfoniso Udofia's taut and achingly poignant drama exploring the multigenerational bonds of a Nigerian family living in the United States. Traveling from Lagos to visit her mother Abasiama and American-born sister Adiaha for the first time in two decades, thirtysomething Iniabasi arrives to a snowy landscape and even chillier truths inside a small Manhattan apartment. As Nigerian traditions clash with American realities, the family is forced to confront its literal and emotional baggage and its painful legacies across language, continents, and cultures. Pulsing with humor and heartache, this tender and hopeful window into an evolving family is "a reminder that most Americans share a common origin story" (The New York Times). Her Portmanteau performs at A.C.T.'s Strand Theater (1127 Market St., San Francisco) from February 15, 2019 through March 31, 2019. Press nights for Her Portmanteau will be held on Thursday, February 28 and Friday, March 1, 2019. Single tickets for Her Portmanteau ($15-$110) are available at the A.C.T. Box Office at 415.749.2228 or online at www.act-sf.org. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

San Francisco's Magic Theatre will present Udofia's In Old Age concurrently with A.C.T.'s production of Her Portmanteau­ from March 27, 2019 through April 21, 2019. Through an exclusive package deal, patrons can purchase tickets for A.C.T.'s production of Her Portmanteau and Magic Theatre's production of In Old Age, which can be seen in any order, for $40 each-a savings of up to 45% off their individual ticket price. This package deal is available now by calling the A.C.T. Box Office at 415.749.2228 or online at www.ufotplays-sf.com. Package holders receive free ticket exchanges, priority invitations to special events, and exclusive content on this Bay Area theatrical event.

"I am thrilled to welcome Mfoniso back to A.C.T. with this deep mother-daughter/sister-sister story," said MacKinnon. "Equally exciting, Bay Area audiences can truly immerse themselves into this Nigerian American family saga, seeing how lives move forward, by 'binge watching' both Her Portmanteau at A.C.T.'s Strand Theater and In Old Age at the Magic Theatre."

"I am overjoyed that Pam programed my show and am excited to return to A.C.T. as a playwright," adds Udofia. "It's been quite an artistic journey and it is not lost on me that, in a way, I am coming full circle. What a time. What a joy. I count myself blessed."

A graduate of A.C.T.'s M.F.A. Program, playwright Mfoniso Udofia is a first-generation Nigerian American storyteller and educator. The Ufot Family Cycle, a series of nine plays exploring the history of Nigerian immigration in America through the eyes of one family, began through Udofia's residencies at National Black Theatre's I Am Soul program and The Playwrights Realm's Page One program. In January 2016, The Playwrights Realm produced the world premiere of Sojourners, the Ufot Family origin story. In spring 2016, Magic Theatre produced Sojourners in repertory with the world premiere of the third installation in the Ufot Family Cycle,runboyrun. In spring 2017, New York Theatre Workshop produced a new production of Sojourners in repertory with the world premiere of Her Portmanteau, to universal critical acclaim. A.C.T. has commissioned Udofia to write the eighth installment of the cycle.

Under the direction of Victor Malana Maog-named one of American Theatremagazine's "People to Watch"- Her Portmanteau features (in alphabetical order):Aneisa J. Hicks as Adiaha Ufot, Kimberly Scott as Abasiama Ufot, and Eunice Woods as Iniabasi Ekpeyong.

The creative team for Her Portmanteau includes David Israel Reynoso (Scenic Designer), Sarita Fellows (Costume Designer), Yael Lubetzky (Lighting Designer), and Jake Rodriguez (Sound Designer).

Photo courtesy of American Conservatory Theater

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