That Summer in Sumner, The Till Trilogy, by Ifa Bayeza
Projections design (Oct-Nov 2022)
Directed by Talvin Wilks, Mosaic Theater Company, The Atlas Performing Arts Center, Washington DC
THAT SUMMER IN SUMNER
Drawn from courtroom transcripts, news accounts, and government records, That Summer in Sumner simulates the 1955 trial for the murder of Emmett Till with palpable energy and profound theatricality. Told from the perspective of three African-American journalists covering the event, this world premiere play takes audiences on a journey from 1955 to today and calls upon us to reimagine our tomorrow, together.
The Till Trilogy is a series of plays by noted playwright Ifa Bayeza that reflect on the life, death, and legacy of Emmett Till, whose murder in 1955 remains one of the most pivotal moments in American history. Under the direction of the acclaimed Talvin Wilks, the three plays — The Ballad of Emmett Till, Benevolence, and the world premiere That Summer in Sumner — starred 10 actors performing in rotating repertory for the first time. Filled with music, poetry, and imagination, this rare theatrical event will honor the ongoing fight for racial justice in our country and offer audiences of all ages an opportunity for collective reckoning, reflection, and response. Link to the Program
Creative Team: Andrew Cohen (Scenic Designer), Alberto Segarra (Lighting Designer), Mona Kasra (Projection Designer), Danielle Preston (Costume Designer), Kwamina “Binnie” Biney (Sound Designer), Dominique Perera (Associate Sound Designer), Deb Thomas (Properties Designer), Shayna O’Neill (Production Stage Manager). Cast: Antonio Michael Woodard, Billie Krishawn, Rolonda Watts, Jaysen Wright, Jason Bowen, Vaughn Ryan Midder, Scott Ward Abernethy, Christopher Genebach, Drew Kopas, Anna DiGiovanni.
PRESS
A haunting portrait of Emmett Till comes full circle in ‘Till Trilogy’ - The Washington Post
‘Till’ Review: All-American Tragedy - Metro Weekly
Theatre Review: ‘Benevolence’ at Mosaic Theater Company - DC Theater Arts
Theatre Review: ‘That Summer in Sumner’ at the Mosaic Theater Company/ - DC Theater Arts
Till Trilogy Opens at Mosaic Theater in DC - Port of Harlem
The Till Trilogy was made possible by extraordinary support from the Roy Cockrum Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the CrossCurrents Foundation, and John H. Ashley, Dana Brewington & Bill Tompkins, and Sheila Johnson. Additional support provided by Muriel D. Wolf, MD, and Jeffrey Banks & Stacie Lee Banks, and Juanita & Melvin Hardy, and Millennium Arts Salon and Busboys and Poets and Lee’s Flowers and Gift Shop.
Photos below TERESA CASTRACANE
