Definition Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of America v.2.1: The Sad Demise & Eventual Extinction of the American Negro by Stacey Rose and directed by Artistic Director Tyrone Phillips. America V.2.1 will stream virtually on demand from November 2 – November 21, 2021. The virtual press opening will stream on November 2, 2021. This production was filmed at the Vittum Theater in Noble Square. Tickets for the on demand performances are on sale now and may be purchased online at www.definitiontheatre.org
In America v. 2.1: The Sad Demise & Eventual Extinction of the American Negro, playwright Stacey Rose presents a timely look at a dystopian future that seems disturbingly present. A company of actors tasked with re-telling the history of the American Negro find themselves fighting for their survival. As their story unravels, they are forced to confront the very systems of power that have dictated their existence, and the oppressive cycles which they have fallen into themselves. This hauntingly funny Chicago premiere is a terrifying collision of past and present that questions who is in charge of preserving the truth of our shared American history.
“I am thrilled to be collaborating with the immensely talented writer, Stacey Rose, and each and every artist that worked on this production,” says Artistic Director Tyrone Phillips. “As we investigated how and why theatre would survive during the pandemic, our value of archiving the work of BIPOC artists took center stage. I know this moving collaboration between film and theatre will stay with our audiences for a very long time. This play is a warning shot to all of America as it reckons with the history at our foundation. It inspires the next generation to not only hold our current leaders accountable but to also become the best leaders they can be. It’s past time for our society to do away with subservient behavior politically and socially which is why I can’t wait to share this milestone production with Chicago and across the nation.”
The cast of America v.2.1 includes ensemble members Carley Cornelius, Martasia Jones with Bernard Gilbert, Kenneth D. Johnson, Victor Musoni.
The production team for America v.2.1 includes Tyrone Phillips (Director), Lowell Thomas (Director of Photography), Steph Paul (Choreographer), Christie Chiles Twillie (Music Direction & Composition), Yu Shibagaki (Set Designer), Kristy Hall (Costume Designer), Jason Lynch (Lighting Designer), Slick Jorgensen (Lighting Director), Conner Wang (Co-Sound Designer), David Samba (Co-Sound Designer), Mike Tutaj (Projections Designer), Mara Ishihara Zinky (Properties Designer & Scenic Charge), Jared Bellot (Dramaturg), Zev Steinrock (Fight & Intimacy Choreographer), Manuel Ortiz (Technical Director), Jonesy Jones (Sound Engineer), Louis Lothan (Head Electrician), Alexandra Oparka (Production Stage Manager), and Neel McNeill (Production Manager).
FACT SHEET/ America v.2.1
Title: America v.2.1: The Sad Demise & Eventual Extinction of the American Negro
Written by: Stacey Rose
Directed by: Tyrone Phillips
Press opening: November 2, 2021
Regular run: November 2 – November 21, 2021
Ticket prices: $15 - $100
Box Office: All ticket orders will be processed online at www.definitiontheatre.org
ABOUT DEFINITION THEATRE
Definition Theatre is a culturally diverse theater dedicated to telling language-driven, relationship-oriented, socially relevant stories about and created with underrepresented communities in Chicago. Our ensemble is a collective of artists, art administrators, educators, and designers who prioritize working towards and representing a more equitable theatre industry.
Definition has built its reputation on work that reflects its unique voice. It shared the words of Academy Award- Winner Tarell Alvin McCraney in The Brothers Size; it grooved with Amiri Baraka’s whirlwind story of a chance meeting on a train in Dutchman. In partnership with, The New Colony staged the world premiere of Byhalia, Mississippi, which starred Academy Award nominee ensemble member Kiki Layne. In association with the Goodman Theatre, Definition staged the Chicago premiere of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ An Octoroon, a subversive take on race in America that captivated audiences. Most recently, Definition sent us all to the moon with ensemble member James Ijames’s Moon Man Walk, explored the challenges of America’s public-school system through Nilaja Sun’s No Child… and highlighted the first- generation experience in the world premiere of Sam Kebede’s ETHIOPIANAMERICA.
Ensemble members include: Owais Ahmed, Jared Bellot, Carley Cornelius, Ari Craven, Danielle Davis, Martasia Jones, Slick Jorgensen, Kristy Hall, James Ijames, Kiki Layne, Kelson Michael McAuliffe, Neel McNeill, Sophiyaa Nayar, Alexandra Oparka, Julian Parker, Tyrone Phillips, Jacqueline Rosas, Christopher Sheard, and Dujon Smith. Artistic Advisory Board members include: director May Adrales, Steppenwolf ensemble member Alana Arenas, actress Shannon Cochran, Erica Daniels, actor Brandon Dirden, actor Jason Dirden, director Pam Mackinnon, Equity Quotient CEO Keryl McCord, professor JW Morrissette, director Ron OJ Parson, professor/lighting designer Kathy Perkins, Tony Award-winning actress and stage director Phylicia Rashad, and Goodman Theatre director in residence Chuck Smith. Tyrone Phillips is the Artistic Director and Neel McNeill is the Executive Director. For additional information, visit definitiontheatre.org and @definitiontheatre on Facebook and Instagram #stayinit