NewsRelease

NCTYP to Present “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters” Jan. 31-Feb. 2

GREENSBORO – “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters,” a stage adaptation of John Steptoe’s popular book, will be presented at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro by the N.C. Theatre for Young People.

Public performances in Taylor Building will be at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, and at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 1-2. Daytime performances for school groups will be at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 28, and at 9:30 a.m. and noon Jan. 29-31. Tickets cost $7 for adults and $6 for seniors, children and $5 for groups of 10 or more. They can be ordered through the University Box Office (336-334-4849) from noon-5 p.m. weekdays. NCTYP is directed by Rachel Briley, an assistant professor in the UNCG Department of Theatre.

“Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters” was adapted for the stage by Karen Abbott. The play is set in an African village, where the young king is to choose a queen. Of Mufaro’s two daughters, Nyasha is kind and considerate. The other, Manyara, is selfish and spoiled. When the king decides to take a wife, he invites the most worthy and beautiful women in the land to appear before his court. Manyara does her best to ensure that she is chosen before Nyasha in this memorable fable of pride going before the fall.

“This play teaches an important lesson about humility,” said Natalie Scowell, who is directing the play for her MFA thesis. “It has a message for all ages.”

NCTYP director Rachel Briley secured a grant to hire sign interpreters for this production. They will be using the "shadow" method, in which individual interpreters shadow the actors. The interpreter wears black and follows an actor on stage to sign all of that actor's dialogue. Shadow-interpreted performances at UNCG are scheduled for Jan. 30 at noon and Feb. 1 at 2 p.m.

“Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters” will go on the NCTYP spring tour. The production will travel around the state to different schools, community centers and events. The shadow interpreters will be present at all tour performances.

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