THEATER, AT PLAY!
FALL 2024 NEWSLETTER
L-R: Artistic Director and The Brothers Size playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney with actor Alani iLongwe (seated), choreographer Juel D. Lane, and actors Malcolm Mays and Sheaun McKinney during rehearsals of The Brothers Size. Photo by Jeff Lorch.
TARELL ALVIN MCCRANEY LAUNCHES INAUGURAL SEASON TA R E L L A LV I N M c C R A N E Y, R E N O W N E D P L AY W R I G H T A N D O S C A R – W I N N I N G S C R E E N W R I T E R , H A S TA K E N T H E H E L M A S A R T I S T I C D I R E C T O R O F G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E .
Tarell kicked off his inaugural season
In September, the Tarell Alvin Mc-
in August with a special production for
Craney Welcome Committee—comprised
Los Angeles: the 20th anniversary of his
of prominent Black artists, business lead-
critically acclaimed play, The Brothers
ers, and community members—hosted a
Size, playing to sold-out crowds in the Au-
housewarming brunch to celebrate Tarell’s
drey Skirball Kenis Theater. As a co-pro-
appointment. The event was a resounding
duction with The Shed in New York, the
success, drawing an enthusiastic crowd
play marked the beginning of a series
from the city’s vast arts community.
of collaborations with theaters across
Guests celebrated McCraney’s vision and
the country, aimed at creating a national
toasted the future of Geffen Playhouse
pipeline for new works.
under his dynamic leadership.
In addition to programming his first
Along with these new programs and
artistic season, Tarell also launched a
partnerships, the Geffen Playhouse’s new
groundbreaking initiative called Theater
play development and playwright com-
as a Lens for Justice. This community
missioning programs are kicking into high
engagement program offers individuals
gear under Tarell’s direction, with a slate of
and families impacted by incarceration
exciting workshops planned for the winter
the chance to connect with theater in a
and spring of 2025 in the re-imagined
meaningful way—both as audiences and
Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater space.
creators. The program aims to foster heal-
As part of the Theater as a Lens for Justice initiative, participants from ManifestWorks enjoyed a performance of The Brothers Size. ManifestWorks connects those impacted by foster care, homelessness, and incarceration with job opportunities and provides ongoing life and professional skills.
“This is where we start,” said Tarell.
ing and empowerment by giving partici-
“Our planning and plays this season lay
pants the tools to tell their stories through
the groundwork for the next five years of
performance, using the stage as a platform
innovative theater the Geffen is about to
for reflection and advocacy.
bring to LA. Stay ready.”
L-R: Jason King, Michele Shay, Anita DashiellSparks, and Artistic Director Tarell Alvin McCraney take a selfie at the housewarming brunch.