Madani YounisJosephine and I, written and performed by Cush Jumbo, and directed by Phyllida Lloyd, will be staged by the Public Theater, New York, at Joe’s Pub, from 27 February to 5 April 2015.
The show was originally developed and produced at the Bush Theatre, where, in July 2013, it received its world premiere. It played to public and critical acclaim, winning Cush Jumbo the Evening Standard Emerging Talent Award, and receiving an Olivier Award nomination.
Josephine Baker: captivating performer, political activist and international icon
From the Ragtime rhythms of St Louis and the intoxicating sounds of 1920s Paris, to present day London, Josephine and I intertwines the story of a modern day girl with that of one of the greatest, yet forgotten, stars of the 20th century.
Josephine and I premiered as part of artistic director Madani Younis’ 2013 sell-out season at the Bush. It will be the third show from that season to play in the USA, alongside The Herd by Rory Kinnear, at Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago (2 April – 7 June 2015) and Disgraced, by Ayad Akhtar, currently at the Lyceum Theater, New York, until February 2015.
Madani Younis recently announced his 2015 season at the Bush, featuring Islands by Caroline Horton, The Royale by Marco Ramirez, The Angry Brigade by James Graham and The Invisible by Rebecca Lenkiewicz.
Meet the Playwright: Cush Jumbo
Cush Jumbo, currently appearing in The River on Broadway with Hugh Jackman, was presented with the “Emerging Talent Award” at this year’s Evening Standard Awards for her self-penned solo show, Josephine and I (which originated at The Bush Theatre in July 2013). She was also nominated for “Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre” at the Oliver Awards for her performance. That year Jumbo also reprised her role of Marc Antony in an all-female version of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar at St. Ann’s Warehouse. The show originated at the Donmar Warehouse in London. For her performance, she was also nominated for an Olivier Award. Both productions were directed by acclaimed film and theatre director Phyllida Lloyd. Other theatre awards include “Best Actress” at The Manchester Awards for her performance as Nora in A Doll’s House at the Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester and the prestigious “Ian Charleson Award” for her performance as Rosalind in As You Like It, also at the Royal Exchange. Her television credits include the series lead in the top-rated “Vera” opposite Brenda Blethyn; the acclaimed comedy, “Getting On” (a U.S. version of the show now airs on HBO). Her film credits include the lead role in Remainder (based on the Tom K. McCarthy novel) and the hit feature The Inbetweeners.
BUSH THEATRE
The Bush is a world-famous home for new plays and an internationally renowned champion of playwrights. We discover, nurture and produce the best new playwrights from the widest range of backgrounds, and present their work to the highest possible standards. We look for exciting new voices that tell contemporary stories with wit, style and passion and we champion work that is both provocative and entertaining.
The Bush has produced hundreds of groundbreaking premieres since its inception in 1972, many of them Bush commissions, and hosted guest productions by leading companies and artists from across the world. The Bush is widely acclaimed as the seedbed for the best new playwrights, many of whom have gone on to become established names. The Bush has won over 100 awards, and developed an enviable reputation for touring its acclaimed productions nationally and internationally. For more information, please visit: www.bushtheatre.co.uk
JOSEPHINE AND I, written by Cush Jumbo and directed by Phyllida Lloyd, begins performances at Joe’s Pub at The Public on Friday, February 27 and runs through Sunday, April 5, with an official press opening on Tuesday, March 10. The performance schedule is Tuesdays through Sundays at 7:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m.
Member tickets, starting at $30, and single tickets, starting at $40, are available now by calling (+1) 212 967-7555, www.publictheater.org, or in person at the Taub Box Office at The Public Theater at 425 Lafayette Street.
Tuesday 2nd December 2014