The revival of “Purlie Victorious” has announced the start of post-performance talkbacks. The series, in partnership with Meta, will kick off on Oct. 19.
Discussions in the series will be moderated by Sade Lythcott, CEO of the National Black Theatre (NBT), and Jonathan McCrory, NBT executive artistic director. NBT is a co-producer of “Purlie Victorious.”
Hasna Muhammad, daughter of the comedy’s late playwright, Ossie Davis, and his late wife, Ruby Dee — both of whom starred in the original 1961 production of “Purlie Victorious” — will be a featured guest as part of the Oct. 19 conversation. Muhammad will share firsthand knowledge of the play and the duo behind it.
Future post-show talkbacks are expected to take place weekly, after Thursday-evening performances. These sessions will include members of the “Purlie Victorious” cast and guests such as Tony Award-winning actor Billy Porter, Nicole Ari Parker, Tony-nominated playwright James Ijames, Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw and Amanda Seales.
A full schedule, including an end date for the series, will be announced.
“Purlie Victorious” is a satire of race in America. “With his play,” Broadway News critic Brittani Samuel wrote, “Davis is not so much exposing the cruel realities of racism as he is mocking the absurdity of folks desperate to uphold it.”
“Purlie Victorious” is produced by Jeffrey Richards, Hunter Arnold, Leslie Odom Jr., Irene Gandy, Willette and Manny Klausner and Kayla Greenspan.
