Complete casting has been announced for the Public Theater’s world premiere of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s trilogy The Brother/Sister Plays Part 1 and Part 2. Tina Landau will direct In The Red and Brown Water, and Robert O’Hara will direct The Brothers Size (which was produced at the Public in 2007) and Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet. Performances begin October 21 and continue through December 13, with opening night set for November 17.
The three works that make up The Brother/Sister Plays will be presented in two shows that can be seen separately, in any order, or together. Marathon performances of the entire trilogy will be scheduled on weekends.
The cast includes Sterling K. Brown (Macbeth) as Shango/Shua, Kimberly Hébert Gregory (The Lion King national tour) as Aunt Elegua/Shun, Brian Tyree Henry (Romeo and Juliet) as Egungun/Oshoosi/Tarell, Andre Holland (Wig Out!) as Elegba/Marcus, Marc Damon Johnson (Mr. Fox: A Rumination) as Ogun, Sean Allen Krill (Mamma Mia!) as O Li Roon/Man From State, Nikiya Mathis (Eclipsed) as Shun/Shaunta Iyun, Kianné Muschett (Our Lady of 121st Street) as Oya/Osha and Heather Alicia Simms (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) as Nia/Mama Moja/Oba.
McCraney’s trilogy is described as a collection of modern-day stories of kinship, love, heartache and coming-of-age centered around an extended family and community in the Bayou. The plays have been produced at the Public, Studio Theater, Abbey Theatre (Dublin), Foundry Theater, McCarter Theater, the Young Vic and Alliance Theater.
The Brother/Sister Plays will feature scenic design by James Schuette, costume design by Karen Perry, lighting design by Peter Kaczorowski and sound design by Lindsay Jones.