The Public Theater celebrated the world premiere of Mlima’s Tale, a new play by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage, April 15. The play tells the story of an elephant trapped inside the clandestine ivory market, and follows what happens to Mlima’s tusks as they travel from the hands of the poacher and along the food chain.
Obie Award winner Jo Bonney directs a cast led by Tony nominee Sahr Ngaujah (Fela!) as Mlima, and an ensemble made up of Ito Aghayere (Junk), Jojo Gonzalez (Small Mouth Sounds), and Kevin Mambo (The Fortress of Solitude).
Performances of Mlima's Tale began March 27 and are scheduled through May 20. Read reviews for the Off-Broadway production:
The Hollywood Reporter (Frank Scheck)
New York Magazine / Vulture (Sara Holdren)
The New York Times (Ben Brantley)
NY Daily News (Joe Dziemianowicz)
Playbill will continue to update with reviews as they are published.
Mlima's Tale features scenic design by Riccardo Hernandez, costume design by Jennifer Moeller, lighting design by Lap Chi Chu, sound design by Darron L West, music composition and direction by Justin Hicks, and movement direction by Chris Walker.