Funnyhouse of a Negro



Photo of the Production

Sarah’s mind is a carnival fun house of surrealist nightmares and violent cultural conflicts.   Four personas, including the Duchess of Hapsburgh, Jesus, and Queen Victoria all vie for control as Sarah struggles to maintain her own identity.  Funnyhouse of a Negro doesn’t pull any punches as it faces issues of psychological trauma, discrimination, and social justice head on.

Playwright Adrienne Kennedy was part of the Black Arts Movement in the 1960s, and worked within the Jazz Aesthetic.  She is a founding member for the Women’s Theatre Council and has won two Obie Awards: "Distinguished Play" in 1964 for Funnyhouse of a Negro, and "Best new American Play" in 1996 for June and Jean in Concert and Sleep Deprivation Chamber.  Kennedy was also honored at the 2008 Obie Awards with a Lifetime Achievement Award.  For more information, visit her website.

Cast

Ayse Uneri

(Duchess of Hapsburg) is a junior, majoring in Neuroscience...
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Christopher P. Cameron

(Patrice Lumumba) is a junior at Pitt, who studies engineering and theatre...
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Connor Shoshita Pickett

(Jesus) is a sophomore Theatre Arts and English Writing double-major...
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Jacqueline Saporito

(The Mother) is a sophomore at PITT studying psychology and works on campus as a resident assistant...
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Jenna Simmons

(Sarah's Landady) is a freshman at Pitt, double majoring in Theatre Arts and Psychology...
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Mark Tumblin

(Raymond) is excited to be involved with theater at the University of Pittsburgh...
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Sheleah Harris

(Negro-Sarah) is thrilled to be working with Pitt Rep again...
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Stacey Kuffuor-Berko

is a Senior majoring in Administration of Justice with a concentration in Forensics and a minor in Theatre Arts.
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