In the Penal Colony

Adapted from Franz Kafka's short story of the same name, IN THE PENAL COLONY investigates the performance of power, patriarchy and punishment. Three black men convene on an unnamed penal colony and challenge the presumptions of the worth of a human body, asking what does it mean for black male bodies to exist: in the media, when observed, when consumed, when punished.

cast/crew

directed and written by Miranda Haymon

set and costume design by Emmie Finckle

light design by Cha See

sound design by Valentine Monfuega

produced by The Hodgepodge Group & Lucy Powis

featuring Jamar Brathwaite, David Glover and Dhari Noel

​photos by Mari Uchida

press

“Brilliantly realized… a symbolic exploration of race in the United States.”

“It’s a jolting blend of dance, movement and physical theater dynamically performed by an African-American cast. Director Miranda Haymon’s electric staging of her pared down yet faithful adaptation [of Franz Kafka’s novel] is filled with dialogue characteristic of Kafka and bracing sequences.”

-Darryl Reilly, Theater Scene

“This experimental piece blurs the lines between theatre and dance, in a manner that is highly effective… the choreography of the show is highly sophisticated.”

​-Anthony J. Piccione, OnStage Blog