This magical and profound work of physical theater gives fantastical theatrical form to our precarious existence, spinning dreamlike fiction and humor with urgent reality.
[Zadie Smith’s debut play is] “a celebration of community and local legends, of telling a good story and living a life worth telling.”
—The Guardian
—The Guardian
In her debut play, bestselling author Zadie Smith—whose books include the Man Booker Prize-nominated novel On Beauty— gives us Alvita, a Jamaican-born British woman in her mid-50s holding court at a North West London pub. After a sold-out, critically acclaimed run, this modern translation of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales comes to the Harvey Theater at BAM Strong.
Directed by Indhu Rubasingham, with an ensemble cast starring Clare Perkins in a stunning, exhilarating performance, this exuberant and verbally inventive play showcases the pleasures of Smith’s quick wit. Rich with frank sexuality, it celebrates free expression and the human urge both to live stories and share them.
Set and costume design by Robert Jones
Lighting design by Guy Hoare
Composition and sound design by Ben and Max Ringham
Casting by Julia Horan CDG
Movement by Imogen Knight
[Zadie Smith’s debut play is] “a celebration of community and local legends, of telling a good story and living a life worth telling.”
—The Guardian
—The Guardian
Age guidance: 14+
UPCOMING Performances
RUNNING TIME
1hr 40min
VENUE
ACCESSIBILITY
For more information and access to specific seating locations, visit BAM.org/visit/accessibility, email accessibility@BAM.org, or call 718.636.4100.
OPEN CAPTIONING
Performances on April 14 and 15 include open captioning provided by c2. Captioning screens are located on both sides of the theater, displaying spoken dialogue and other auditory elements that impact the experience of the production. Best visibility is from seating locations in side sections of the theater, Row K and behind.TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets start at $35
RELATED EVENTS
Young Producers Night: The Wife of Willesden
Thu, Apr 13 at 6pm
Open to BAM Young Producers
Artist Circle: An Evening with Zadie Smith
Fri, Apr 14 at 6:30pm
Open to BAM Artist Circle members
BAM Members receive 20% off through January 31. No promo code needed.
All performances will adhere to protocols developed in accordance with New York State regulations and in consultation with medical professionals for the safety of our artists, audiences, and staff.
BAM Members receive 20% off through January 31. No promo code needed.
BAM Members enjoy waived handling fees (Level 2+).
Leadership support for
BAM Access Programs
provided by the
Jerome L. Greene Foundation
Leadership support for
theater at BAM provided by
The Fan Fox &
Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, Inc.;
The SHS Foundation; and
The Shubert Foundation, Inc.
