by Eugene O’Neill
directed by Ciaran O’Reilly
October 7 – December 6, 2009
December 15, 2009 – January 31, 2010 (at SoHo Playhouse)
Eugene O’Neill’s brilliant groundbreaking play, The Emperor Jones, is the story of Brutus Jones, an African-American man who sets himself up as monarch of a Caribbean island following a prison break in the United States.
When the Natives rebel after years of exploitation, Jones’s mesmerizing journey into darkness becomes a terrifying psychological portrayal of power, fear, and madness. With his demons in heavy pursuit and tom-toms beating, the Emperor is forced to confront the mortal sins of his past in search of forgiveness and salvation.
Awards:
O’Neill Credo Award – Ciaran O’Reilly
Joe A. Callaway Award – “Best Performance” – John Douglas Thompson
Joe A. Callaway Award – “Best Director” – Ciaran O’Reilly
Nominations:
Lucille Lortel Outstanding Revival
Lucille Lortel Outstanding Lead Actor – John Douglas Thompson
Lucille Lortel Outstanding Sound Design – Ryan Rumery and Christian Frederickson
Drama League Distinguished Production of a Play
Drama League Distinguished Performance Award – John Douglas Thompson
Drama Desk Outstanding Actor in a Play – John Douglas Thompson
Drama Desk Outstanding Costume Design – Antonia Ford-Roberts and Bob Flanagan
Hewes Design Scenic Design – Charlie Corcoran
“I can’t think of another show that burns brighter….As this magical production makes clear, O’Neill, a man of many demons, understood all too well that everyone is his own boogeyman.” -New York Times