Stephen Tyrone Williams (Burning), James A. Williams (Jitney) and Allison Gallerani (off-Broadway debut) are set to star in the Signature Theatre revival of My Children! My Africa! by Athol Fugard. Seven-time Grammy Award winner Bobby McFerrin will provide music for the production. Directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, the production will begin performances May 1 at the Romulus Linney Courtyard Theatre at the Pershing Square Signature Center. The official opening night is set for May 24.
Set in an Eastern Cape Karoo town in South Africa in 1964, My Children! My Africa! is the story of Mr. M (James A. Williams), an idealistic teacher who forms a debate team for his gifted student Thami (Stephen Tyrone Williams). Mr. M invites Isabel (Gallerani), a student from the local white school, to join the team. Outside the classroom, Mr. M’s hopes for Thami are challenged by their generational divide and increasing political unrest.
In addition to McFerrin, the creative team of My Children! My Africa! includes scenic designer Neil Patel, costume designer Karen Perry, lighting designer Marcus Doshi, sound designer Robert Kaplowitz.