Complete cast announced for Public Theater's Eclipsed

The Public Theater has announced complete casting for the Public Theater's Eclipsed, written by Danai Gurira and directed by Liesl Tommy, which begins previews at the Public's LuEsther Theater on 29 September 2015, before an official opening on 14 October, with a limited run through to 8 November 2015.

Joining Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o (who will be making her NY stage debut as 'The Girl') will be Pascale Armand (Bessie), Akosua Busia (Rita), Zainab Jah (Maimi) and Saycon Sengbloh (Helena).

The creative team behind Eclipsed has also been announced and features scenic and costume design by Clint Ramos, lighting design by Jen Schriever, original music and sound design by Broken Chord, and voice and dialect coaching by Beth McGuire.

Synopsis: "Amid the chaos of the Liberian Civil War, the captive wives of a rebel officer band together to form a fragile community - until the balance of their lives is upset by the arrival of a new girl. Drawing on reserves of wit and compassion, Eclipsed reveals distinct women who must discover their own means of survival in this deeply felt portrait of women finding and testing their own strength in a hostile world of horrors not of their own making."

Lupita Nyong'o's stage credits include 'The Winter's Tale,' 'Uncle Vanya,' 'The Taming of the Shrew,' and 'Elijah.' She won the Academy Award in 2014 for "12 Years a Slave." Her upcoming film credits include "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens," "Queen of Katwe," and "The Jungle Book."

Saycon Sengbloh has previously appeared on Broadway in 'Holler if Ya Hear Me,' 'Motown the Musical,' 'Fela!,' 'Hair,' 'The Color Purple,' 'Wicked' and 'Aida.'

Pascale Armand was seen on Broadway in 'The Trip to Bountiful' and off-Broadway in 'An Octoroon.'

Akosua Busia made her Broadway debut in 'Mule Bone' and has appeared in the West End production of 'Gloo Joo.'

Zainab Jah previously appeared at the Public Theatre in 'In Darfur.'

- by Tom Millward