'shadow/land' sets full Off-Broadway cast

Erika Dickerson-Despenza's play makes its staged world premiere with The Public Theater this spring, with performances running from April 20 to May 21.

The Public Theater has set the complete cast for shadow/land, the next play in its spring Off-Broadway season. Performances begin April 20 ahead of a May 4 opening night, and the run ends May 21.

The complete shadow/land cast includes Joniece Abbott-Pratt as Ruth, Lizan Mitchell as Magalee, and Christine Shepherd as Grand Marshall. The understudies are Lynnette R. Freeman (for Ruth), Perri Gaffney (for Magalee), and Joy-Marie Thompson (for Grand Marshall).

The creative team has also been set, joining previously announced director Candis C. Jones. shadow/land features scenic design by Jason Ardizzone-West; costume design by Azalea Fairley; lighting design by Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew; sound design by Palmer Hefferan; hair, wig, and makeup design by Earon Chew Nealey; original music by Delfeayo Marsalis; and intimacy direction by Ann James.

shadow/land takes place at the advent of Hurricane Katrina, when the destruction of Magalee's family business seems imminent. A battle ensues between her and her daughter Ruth, as Ruth wants Magalee to go with her to safety, but Magalee doesn't want to leave the business, and all its history, behind.

The 2023 production marks the first live, in-person version of shadow/land. The Public previously premiered the play as an audio drama in 2021, also starring Mitchell and directed by Jones.

Get shadow/land tickets now.