At Hand Production

The Story of a Yoruba God on Earth

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 8pm

Jennifer has come home to identify the body of Nell, a woman who believed herself to be the incarnation of Yoruba God Esu Elegba. Will Jennifer's ghosts still haunt her upon identifying the body, or will she find some peace with Nell, herself, and --- the mortician? As it tracks Nell's life the play takes us from the Harlem Renaissance, to the mystical realms of the Yoruban gods, to present day Louisiana. 

Written under The Big Read Acadiana Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, Trickster at the Gate finds its inspiration in the life and works of Zora Neale Hurston, gaining approval of Ms. Hurston's biographer and niece, Ms. Lucy Anne Hurston.

"...a captivating cross-cultural (often funny) play that transcends (what some might dismiss as 'trendy') race issues and enters into that place all art dwells: the core mystery of human spiritual experience. In Trickster that 'core' is found in the borderland between spirituality and madness." - Frank Schaeffer, the Huffington Post (Read full review here.)

"Trickster at the Gate is an exuberant, enjoyable production... Originally written as a festival production to encourage reading, the play stands fairly well on its own merit and is certainly well served here by an energetic, talented production... with solid acting, grace, and humor." - Ivanna Cullinan, nytheatre.com (Read full review here.)

"In Trickster at the Gate, John Patrick Bray demonstrates that taking risks and embracing the vicissitudes of life is the only way to have a fully-lived existence... an incredible tale of defiance, remorse, and self-acceptance. By borrowing from the past, Bray has created a seminal work that speaks to the human need for self-love and growth." - William Gooch, stageandcinema.com (Read full review here.)

Starring: Amanda Bailey, David Heron*, Tyson Jennette*, Valencia King, Sarita Louise Moore, Chris Olson, and Renee Threatte
* appearing courtesy of Actors' Equity Association 

Producer: Justin Scribner
Choreographer: Sarita Louise Moore
Production Designer: Stephani Lewis
Asst Production Designer: Meghan Monaco
Asst Director: Jessica Browne-White
Stage Manager: Wei Wang
Graphic Designer: Jeff Hardy
Production Photography: Zach Gross

Equity Approved Showcase production. 

Click here to view a digital playbill!

Ted Bardy Studio
153 W. 27th Street, Suite #301
(between 6th and 7th Avenues)