Familiar extends limited run at Playwrights Horizons

Tom Millward
Tom Millward

Playwrights Horizons has announced a two-week extension for its current New York premiere of Danai Gurira's Familiar, directed by Rebecca Taichman, which began previews at the Mainstage Theater on 12 February 2016 and officially opened on 3 March. It will now play its final performance on 10 April 2016 (instead of 27 March).

Synopsis: "It's winter in Minnesota and a Zimbabwean family is preparing for the wedding of their eldest daughter, a first-generation American. But when the bride insists on observing a traditional African custom, it opens a deep rift in the household. Rowdy and affectionate, Familiar pitches tradition against assimilation, drawing a loving portrait of a family: the customs they keep, and the secrets they bury."

The cast of Familiar includes Ito Aghayere (Nyasha), Joby Earle (Chris), Melanie Nicholls-King (Margaret), Roslyn Ruff (Tendi), Harold Surratt (Donald), Myra Lucretia Taylor (Anne), Joe Tippett (Brad) and Tony winner Tamara Tunie (Marvelous).

The creative team of Familiar has also been announced and features scenic design by Clint Ramos, costume design by Tony winner Susan Hilferty, lighting design by Tyler Micoleau and sound design by Tony winner Darron L West.

Familiar staged its world premiere at Yale Repertory Theatre (New Haven, CT) in February 2014.

- by Tom Millward

Originally published on

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