Getty Villa, Classical Theatre of Harlem Present ‘Memnon,’ With Performances Underway Through September 28

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Theatergoers have a chance to catch a world premiere play run at Getty Villa in Castellammare through Saturday evening, September 28.

The museum and Classical Theatre of Harlem present “Memnon,” which opened on September 5.

Classical Theatre of Harlem is an American theater company that tells stories “through the lens of the African diaspora,” according to Getty Villa. The organization combines original adaptations, music and dance to present classics of world literature and contemporary works.

“With bold, vivid language and gripping dramatic conflict, ‘Memnon’ tells the tale of an Ethiopian king who journeys to the city of Troy to fight alongside the Trojans in their darkest hour,” according to Getty Villa. “This epic story, from the ancient Greek legend of the fall of Troy, has been overlooked for over a millennium, until now.”

Classical Theatre of Harlem previously performed a virtual rendition of “Memnon” in 2022 as part of the Getty Villa Museum’s Theater Lab Program.

“Memnon” is directed by Associate Artistic Director of the Classical Theatre of Harlem Carl Cofield and written by Will Power.

Cofield has directed a number of plays for the Classical Theatre of Harlem, including productions of “Twelfth Night,” “The Bacchae,” “Antigone,” “Macbeth,” “The Tempest” and “Dutchman.” He joined the Classical Theatre of Harlem as a staff member in 2018, and is also on faculty at NYU and Columbia University.

“I’m delighted to partner again with Will Power to bring this remarkable story to the forefront of our mythology,” Cofield said in a statement. “This is exactly the type of work that inspires me. Stories that force us to ask big questions and interrogate inherited folklore.”

The cast includes Eric Berryman in the title role of Memnon, Jennifer Mogbock as Helen and Daniel Molina as Polydamas/Antilochus.

“The Classical Theatre of Harlem and the Getty Villa are two organizations that are both producing exciting work that presents classically themed theater in highly innovative ways for engaged audiences,” Power added. “I am honored to bring this world premiere of ‘Memnon’ to the city of Los Angeles. I so look forward to the conversation that this old/new tale might spark.”

“Memnon” features choreography by EMERGE125 Executive Artistic Director Tiffany Rea-Fisher, set design by Riw Rakkulchon, costumes by Celeste Jennings, lighting design by Brandon Baruch, original composition and sound design by David R. Molina, and projection design by Yee Eun Nam.

“We are thrilled to welcome the esteemed Classical Theatre of Harlem to the Getty Villa for their first major West Coast theatrical production as part of our annual outdoor theater program,” Maria Hummer-Tuttle and Robert Tuttle Director of the Getty Museum Timothy Potts said in a statement. “The Villa’s theater program bridges the past and the present, showcasing the continuing relevance of classical dramas to modern day audiences. The world premiere of ‘Memnon’ this September is a must-see for all.”

Performances of “Memnon” will run Thursdays through Saturdays through September 28, at 8 p.m. American Sign Language interpreted performances will take place on September 19 and 26.

Tickets for Thursday night performances are $45, or $40 for students and seniors; Friday night performances are $50, and Saturday night performances are $55. Student and senior discounts are only available for Thursday night performances.

The Getty Villa is open Wednesday through Monday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the Getty Villa is always free, but a reservation is required for admission. It is located at 17985 Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades.