Premiering at the Stephen D. Hyers Theater, this musical is an intergenerational story about diaspora and dreams. Told through live dance sequences crafted by local choreographer LeDarius Parker as well as dialog and a powerful musical score written and produced by Quilla, the narrative focuses on three characters who reside in modern-day Greensboro, NC. Each character is grappling with a turning point in their lives, and encounters an ancestral figure during dreams, leading to a profound transformation. The characters represent a cross-section of contemporary North Carolina, and their ancestors represent a diverse snapshot of humanity’s past.
ANCESTRAL was created with support by the North Carolina Arts Council and partnering arts councils such as ArtsGreensboro. Its production was also made possible by Creative Greensboro’s artist residency program at the Stephen D. Hyers Theater in April 2023. This event is wheelchair accessible, and ADA-compliant.
Recommended for ages 10 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
PRODUCTION
Written, directed and produced by Anna Luisa Daigneault (Quilla)
Choreography by LeDarius Gipsi Parker
Music and lyrics by Anna Luisa Daigneault (Quilla)
Choral arrangements by Kate Tobey
Beats on “You Belong Here” and “Bloodlines Remix” by Treee City
“Bloodlines” music video directed by Alexei Mejouev
Live video projections by Jennida Chase and Hassan Pitts
Lighting technician: Fatima Njie
Audio technician: Keenan Harmon
Poster design by Marty O’Connor
Stage hand: Skyler Foy
CAST
ANGELA FERNANDEZ – Darah Willey
AMIKA – Mikayla Johnson
ADAM – Jarvis Wilson
ROSA – Sabrina Morales
AMUL – Shelby Johnson
JOHN WHITE – Stefan DiMuzio
THE SUBLIMINALS (dancers): Elijah Grady, April McLaurin, Travis Simmons, Janina Spencer
COLLECTIVE UNCONSCIOUS CHOIR: Kate Tobey, Izzy Hayes, Lee Atkinson