CAST ANNOUNCED FOR PURLIE VICTORIOUS – A REHEARSED READING
A Made at Curve production in partnership with Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage
Curve and Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage have today announced the cast for the upcoming rehearsed reading of Ossie Davis’ play, PURLIE VICTORIOUS.
Making a triumphant return to Curve following her standout performance as Camae in 2024’s THE MOUNTAINTOP, Justina Kehinde directs the rehearsed reading as part of Curve’s Black History Month programme. As a director Justina’s credits include DAISY CHAINS (The Production Exchange), TILL DEATH US DO PART* (Theatre 503) and FOR THE CULTURE (Tamasha Theatre Company). As Assistant Director, Justina’s credits include ROMEO & JULIET (Almeida Theatre) and THE SUN, THE MOON & THE STARS (Theatre Royal Stratford East).
The cast includes: Frankie Hart (GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY, Old Vic and UK Tour), Samuel Jordan (STANDING AT THE SKY’S EDGE, National Theatre and Sheffield Crucible), and David Tarkenter (THE MOTIVE AND THE CUE, National Theatre). Returning to Leicester following Curve’s production of THE COLOR PURPLE are Danielle Fiamanya, who earned The Stage Debut Award for her performance as Nettie and who has since gone on to perform in West End productions of FROZEN and & JULIET, as well as Ako Mitchell, who recently appeared in MEAN GIRLS at the Savoy Theatre and Owen Chaponda – recently seen as Simba in THE LION KING at the Lyceum Theatre. With casting direction by Tom Shiels for Jill Green Casting
PURLIE VICTORIOUS is a comedy that uses humour to meet racism head-on and celebrate the strength of a community standing up for what’s right.
Set in the American South, when Black Americans faced the full force of Jim Crow’s segregation, this landmark play tells the story of Reverend Purlie Victorious Judson, a bold and inspiring preacher.
Purlie returns to rural Georgia with a daring plan. Together with the determined Lutiebelle, he’s going to outsmart the racist plantation owner who controls their town and win back the Big Bethel church for his community.
Using his quick wit, deep faith and refusal to give up, Purlie takes on injustice with both courage and laughter.
More than 60 years later, Davis’ sharp humour and hopeful message continue to resonate. A rare opportunity to see a truly original and boundary-busting play, this is comedy with purpose – entertaining, uplifting and unafraid.
Black History Month activity at Curve, including this rehearsed reading of PURLIE VICTORIOUS, is sponsored by Leicester-based music licensing company PPL PRS.
PURLIE VICTORIOUS is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. On behalf of Samuel French Ltd. http://www.concordtheatricals.co.uk. Jeffrey Richards, Originating Producer of the 2023 Broadway Revival of PURLIE VICTORIOUS.
PURLIE VICTORIOUS runs at Curve from Thursday 30 October to Saturday 1 November, tickets are on-sale now. To find out more and book, visit www.curveonline.co.uk, call 0116 242 3595 or visit Curve’s Box Office in-person.