WHAT IS HUMAN? WHAT IS DIVINE? DO EITHER EXIST UNTIL THEY INTERTWINE? are the questions posed in the opening musical Prologue, instantly propelling us into the sexy nightclub Moto, Moto in Mombasa, Kenya and the mysterious world of GODDESS, making its much-anticipated New York debut at the Public, following a successful world premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Featuring music and lyrics by Michael Thurber, book and direction by Associate Artistic Director/Resident Director Saheem Ali, additional book material by James Ijames, and choreography by Darrell Grand Moultrie, GODDESS began in the Newman Theater on April 29 with a Joseph Papp Free Preview Performance, and runs at The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street) now through Sunday, June, 8.
With the musical influences of Jazz, R&B, Taarab, Afrobeat, Pop and Soul, GODDESS is inspired by the African folklore of Queen Miramba, the Goddess of Music, who was thought to be immortal. Miramba defies her mother begging to be human, to feel real love, and to live in the music. She escapes to the steamy Afro-jazz club Moto, Moto where she changes her name to Nadira, and casts a spell on everyone with her gorgeous voice. Her presence lifts everyone to great heights, especially Omari, the Governor’s son who returns from America and every night sneaks into Moto, Moto where he hides his saxophone and plays with the band. But once he and Nadira meet, the life that was mapped out for him since birth becomes upended. The two form an immediate and deep connection, creating the central conflict of whether the love a human and the love of a god, bonded by music, can survive.
The show was electric. Energetic. Colorful. Bold. Magical. Mysterious, with fog and haze ablaze on stage. Part romance, part mythology, it all led to the quest of discovering one’s heart and one’s truest self, challenging each character and audience member to ask: Who controls one’s destiny?
If Moto, Moto calls Nadira “the woman you all came to see,” know that Amber Iman is undoubtedly the performer you will run for. Exquisite in her vulnerability and discovery, Iman is a powerhouse singer whose voice lingers inside your soul. Austin Scott, as Omari, is a triple threat singing, acting and playing the sax. Though slated to replace his father as Governor, he is resistant to follow his politics. As he breaks free to run a campaign that reflects his views with his own messaging, he was reminiscent of a young Barack Obama – even though the sax belonged to Bill!
Arica Jackson (Rashida) as the Moto-Moto club owner and Nick Rashad Burroughs (Ahmed), a performer at the club and her ardent suitor, were simply delightful as they journeyed from indifference to defiance to euphoria in their darling duet, “It’s A Date.” The supporting players were all quite wonderful as Omari’s parents and fiancee, Nadira’s possessed would-be lover, the Shaman who connects the two worlds, and the “Greek chorus” known as the GrioTrio – Grio, a West African storyteller. The use of masks and puppets was breathtaking, the chroreography had you wanting to jump out of your seat and onto the stage. Atmospheric and electrifying, the set was enhanced by sound and music. The ensemble totally rocked.
The GODDESS cast includes Brandon Alvíon (Ensemble), Jason Bowen (Madongo), George Brown (Understudy), Nick Rashad Burroughs (Ahmed), Melessie Clark (Griotrio/Understudy), Zachary Downer (Ensemble), Amber Iman (Nadira), Arica Jackson (Rashida), Ayana George Jackson (Siti), Quiantae Mapenzi Johnson (Ensemble), Christina Jones (Ensemble), Parris Lewis (Understudy), Kareem Marsh (Swing), Nayah Merisier (Swing), J Paul Nicholas (Hassan), Isio-Maya Nuwere (Ensemble), Teshomech Olenja (Griotrio/Understudy), Destinee Rea (Cheche), Jasmin Richardson (Ensemble), Awa Sal Secka (Griotrio/Understudy), Austin Scott (Omari), Teddy Trice (Ensemble), Ekele Ukegbu (Understudy), Wade Watson (Ensemble), Reggie D. White (Balozi), and Christopher Henry Young (Understudy).
The production features scenic design by Arnulfo Maldonado, costume design by Dede Ayite, lighting design by Bradley King, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Nikiya Mathis, puppet design by Julian Crouch, and prop management by Claire M. Kavanah. Thomas Schall is the production’s fight consultant. Karishma Bhagani is the cultural consultant. Original casting for GODDESS was by Whitley Theatrical and Public Theater casting was by Taylor Williams. The music team for GODDESS includes music supervision by Marco Paguia, music coordination by David Lai, and music direction by Paul Byssainthe Jr. Victoria Navarro serves as the production stage manager and Tesia Childs and Giselle Andrea Raphaela are the stage managers.
There was so much here to connect to visually, musically, mystically, politically and not least of all, romantically. GODDESS unveiled what life could be if people were courageous, and allowed themselves to feel their passion. Rashida tells Nadira: “Love won’t come if all you do is sing about it. Be brave and open up. The Gods gave you a heart for a reason.” My suggestion is to follow yours to the Public, and open yourself to what can be.
Tickets are available now and can be accessed by visiting publictheater.org, calling 212.967.7555, or in person at the Taub Box Office at The Public Theater at 425 Lafayette Street.
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