THE COLORED MUSEUM
By George C. Wolfe
Directed by Psalmayene 24 | Studio Theatre
Directed by Psalmayene 24 | Studio Theatre
The Colored Museum is a provocative and seriously funny tour of eleven “exhibits”—toxic narratives about Black American experiences. From confrontational to aspirational, morbid to triumphant, Wolfe’s satiric sketches target America’s most pernicious stereotypes of Black culture, looking to retire outdated exhibits and make room for the future. This innovative environmental production immerses the audience in George Wolfe’s 1986 classic about the grief, madness, and hope of Black life. This production will be a one-of-kind collaboration between two members of the Studio Theatre Cabinet: Director Psalmayene 24 (Pass Over, Good Bones) and designer Natsu Onoda Power (Vietgone, Astro Boy).
Reviews
"Archival engravings of the enslaved appear, among many stunning projections designed by Kelly Colburn. " - DC Theatre Arts, John Stoltenberg
"From a semi-urban living room to a boudoir and the jungles of Vietnam, these seamlessly transitioning design elements are aided by Kelly Colburn’s vivid but nuanced projections, which just as easily summon Black iconography as they do a sense of anonymity. " - Washington City Paper, Melissa Lin Sturges
"The piece, with Ayanna Bria Bakari as a stew named Miss Pat, is enhanced by all manner of artful projections (from Kelly Colburn) too that quickly burn through images of Black history and culture that set the stage for what’s to come. " - Broadway World, Roger Catlin
The Colored Museum
Director Psalmayene 24
Choreographer Tony Thomas
Music Consultant William Knowles
Set and Environment Design Natsu Onoda Power
Costumes Moyenda Kulemeka
Lighting Design Jesse Belsky
Sound Design and Composition Matthew Nielson
Projection Design Kelly Colburn
Associate Projection Design Mark Costello
Props Design Amy Kellett
Stage Manager John Keith Hall
Intimacy Coordinator Sierra Young
Choreographer Tony Thomas
Music Consultant William Knowles
Set and Environment Design Natsu Onoda Power
Costumes Moyenda Kulemeka
Lighting Design Jesse Belsky
Sound Design and Composition Matthew Nielson
Projection Design Kelly Colburn
Associate Projection Design Mark Costello
Props Design Amy Kellett
Stage Manager John Keith Hall
Intimacy Coordinator Sierra Young