Marie Antoinette and the Magical Negroes
June 3 – June 26 2022
Written by Terry Guest and directed by Brandon Rashad Butts.
“Life-altering events like the international uprising for Black lives, the pandemic, the assault on our capitol, etc have made the questions raised by this piece all the more necessary. What happens when Black people grow tired of sitting down and turning the other cheek? Do we scream? Pray? Should we be peaceful? Should we riot? Can the tools used in the past possibly work for the future or do we need to write a new script? Using a company of Black storytellers and the backdrop of the French Revolution, I hope to explore these questions in a way that is as messy and complicated as public execution. Wanna join the riot?” Terry Guest
Season 14 closes with Marie Antoinette and the Magical Negroes by Terry Guest, running June 3 – June 26, 2022. Liberté, égalité, fraternité, ou la mort! (Liberty, equality, fraternity, or death!), echoes the rallying cry of activists fighting through militant resistance, peaceful protest, and collaborative action to overthrow oppressive governments and corrupt, inequitable systems. Set against the opulent background of 18th century Versailles and the French revolution, Marie Antoinette and the Magical Negroes delves deep into the history of race and revolution in America. This high-fashion, club-swirling, time-jumping theatre extravaganza asks what is needed to keep the revolution alive for centuries to come.
All staff, cast, and crew are fully vaccinated. Cast will perform unmasked. Patrons must show proof that they are fully vaccinated at the time of entry and be masked during the performance. Audience will be limited to a max of 50.
“Fully vaccinated” means that either 14 days have passed since receiving either the second dose of a FDA or WHO authorized double-dose vaccine, or a FDA or WHO authorized single-dose vaccine. Acceptable forms of proof include the physical vaccination card or a photo of the card on your phone with the name and date clearly visible. Patrons who are unable to be vaccinated due to age, medical conditions, or closely held religious beliefs must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 prior to the performance in order to gain admission.
Baltimore’s Black Theatre Night
June 17 2022
“On any given night, Black theatergoers usually make up 2.9 percent of Broadway audiences, according to the 2018 Broadway League Report. SCT is invested in making theater more accessible for Black people and would like to host Black Theater Night. A night held exclusively for Black identifying students, artists, journalists, and educators. Black Theater night performances will provide tickets at a discounted rate, a talk-back with the artists, and to reaffirm the cultural and sensory differences that only Black audiences can experience. We as Black people have always had to find space inside of whiteness and Black Theater night seeks to create a space to heal through community.” Tina Canady, Director of Artistic and Community Partnerships and SCT Ensemble Member
Black Theatre Night will include a performance of Terry Guest’s Marie Antoinette and the Magical Negroes, a talk back with director Brandon Rashad Butts and playwright Terry Guest, and light refreshments. The code BTN20 can be used for 20% off the June 17th performance for Black audience members.
The June 17th performance is intended for Black audiences and white patrons are encouraged to select another showtime.
Creative Team
Director………………………Brandon Rashad Butts
Movement Director………………….Jasmine Coles
Stage Manager……………………………….Cyd Cohn
Assistant Stage Manager………….Hannah Fogler
Set & Props Designer……………Bernard Johnson
Lighting Designer……………………Cheryl Williams
Costume Designer………………………..Hannah Brill
Wig Designer…………………………………..Cheri Felix
DJ/Composer……………………………..Kotic Couture
Sound Designer……………………………………..Heiko
Cast
Tina Canady
Dominic Gladden
Megan Livingston
Barbara Hauck
Jacob Budenz
Torreke Evans
Elvis Karegeya