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Watch Night

Nov 3—18, 2023

Co-Conceived, Directed, and Choreographed by Bill T. Jones
Co-Conceived and Libretto by Marc Bamuthi Joseph
Composed by Tamar-kali

An immersive exploration of justice and forgiveness in the face of deadly rage.

Not long ago. And not far from now. In the aftermath of unspeakable tragedy, an opportunistic reporter visits a sacred space defiled by American violence, in search of a story ready made for Hollywood—only to find that history repeats itself too soon, and too close to home.

A PAC NYC World Premiere from the acclaimed artistic team of Tony Award-winning choreographer / dancer / director / writer Bill T. Jones (Fela!, Spring Awakening), poet Marc Bamuthi Joseph (We Shall Not Be Moved), composer Tamar-kali (Mudbound) and dramaturg Lauren Whitehead (Between the World and Me: Onstage at the Apollo). Watch Night fuses melodies rooted in spirituals, percussive breath and fiery opera with the urgency of slam poetry and Bill T. Jones’ dynamic staging to create an immersive exploration of justice and forgiveness in the face of deadly rage.

A PAC NYC Commission.

A PAC NYC Production.

Photo by Jai Lennard.

Post-show Conversations: Nov 9 and Nov 12

Nov 9
Watch Night’s creative team Bill T. Jones, Marc Bamuthi Joseph, Tamar-kali, and Lauren Whitehead discuss the inspiration, themes, and creative process behind this multi-disciplinary World Premiere. Moderated by Watch Night‘s Rabbinical Consultant, Kendell Pinkney.

Nov 12
Director and choreographer, Bill T. Jones, discusses the issues of faith and forgiveness at the heart of Watch Night with faith leaders invited by PAC NYC’s anchor alliance partner, the Interfaith Center of New York.

Content Advisory

Contains depictions and references to white supremacy, racism, violence and derogatory language.

Creatives:

Bill T. Jones
A Black Man, Bill T Jones, with Short white hair and black glasses. He wears a black t shirt and a black button down t shirt that isn't buttoned. He stares straight ahead with a neutral expression
Bill T. Jones Co-Conceiver / Director / Choreographer
Marc Bamuthi Joseph
A bald Black Man with a full Black beard and mustache that is slightly graying. He wears a dark teal velvet suit coat, a purple button down shirt, and a floral patterned tie. He stares straight ahead with a neutral expression
Marc Bamuthi Joseph Co-Conceiver / Librettist
Tamar-kali
A Black woman with black braids tied off to one side. She has a piercing on her bottom lip and is staring straight ahead with a neutral expression. She wears a black off the shoulder t shirt
Tamar-kali Composer
Lauren Whitehead
A Black woman with locks stands in front of greenery. She wears a black t shirt and has a slight smile on her face
Lauren Whitehead Dramaturg

Cast:

Ken Alston Jr.
Ken Alston Jr. Super / Natural
Amanda Bailey
Amanda Bailey Echo Chamber; Shayla / Ms Laura u/s
Royer Bockus
Royer Bockus Echo Chamber / Summers u/s
DeJa-Simone Crumpton
DeJa-Simone Crumpton Echo Chamber u/s
Kevin Csolak
Kevin Csolak The Wolf
Sola Fadiran
Sola Fadiran Winters
Danyel Fulton
Danyel Fulton Shayla
Brian Golub
Brian Golub Rabine
Chelsea Nicole Green
Chelsea Nicole Green Echo Chamber
Arri Lawton Simon
Arri Lawton Simon Saul
Jonathan McClinton Smith
Jonathan McClinton Smith Echo Chamber
Damon McToy
Damon McToy Josh / Saul u/s
Brandon Michael Nase
Brandon Michael Nase Josh
Josette Elaine Newsam
Josette Elaine Newsam Ms. Laura
Ariel Neydavoud
Ariel Neydavoud Echo Chamber; Rabine u/s
Onyie Nwachukwu
Onyie Nwachukwu Super / Natural
Jill Paice
Jill Paice Ms. Summers
Oneika Phillips
Oneika Phillips Echo Chamber
Devin L. Roberts
Devin L. Roberts Echo Chamber
Cooper Stanton
Cooper Stanton Echo Chamber u/s; Wolf u/s
Miguel Ángel Vásquez
Miguel Ángel Vásquez Echo Chamber; Winters u/s

Design and Production Team:

Esti Bernstein
Esti Bernstein Assistant Stage Manager
Sarah Elizabeth Ford
Sarah Elizabeth Ford Production Stage Manager
Kara Harmon
Kara Harmon Costume Designer
David Lai
David Lai Music Contractor
Lucy MacKinnon
Lucy MacKinnon Project Designer
Adam Rothenberg
Adam Rothenberg Music Director, Conductor
Anika Seitu
Anika Seitu Wigs Designer
Mikaal Sulaiman
Mikaal Sulaiman Sound Designer
The Telsey Office
The Telsey Office Casting
Robert Wierzel
Robert Wierzel Lighting Designer
Lauren Taylor Winston
Lauren Taylor Winston Assistant Stage Manager

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