Welcome to the NYTW Blog—a resource for behind-the-scenes insights on our productions, share-outs from the classroom penned by teaching artists, community partner spotlights, and a peek behind the curtain to see how work gets made at NYTW.

Reflections On…Dreaming Zenzile

In Dreaming Zenzile, Somi awakens the power of Miriam Makeba; What a GIFT it was to witness. Makeba’s powers included her ability to transport an audience and motivate folks into action for social change. This play is a work of conjuring in which through Somi we get an intimate look into the soul of Makeba.

June 12, 2022 by Trevor Latez Hayes (Creator of @BlackBoysDoTheater)



FIRST LOOK: DREAMING ZENZILE

Nothing brings us more joy than being in the room with artists, especially meeting people for the first time! After many zoom conversations across the country and across continents, it was with such joy that we welcomed Somi Kakoma and the company of Dreaming Zenzile to NYTW for their first rehearsal!

May 7, 2022 by NYTW


The Jazz Session with Somi

Somi talks about tackling the world of Miriam’s music, collaborating with guests from across the African continent, from Angelique Kidjo to Nduduzo Makhathini, and how her own sense of pan-Africanism continues Miriam’s legacy and message of unity in this new podcast.

April 10, 2022 by Nicky Schrire for The Jazz Session


SEASON(S) PREVIEW

NYTW Literary Director and Dramaturg Aaron Malkin sits down with WNYC’s Rebecca Ibarra  to chat about the 2021/22 & 2022/23 seasons!

July 21, 2021 by Rebecca Ibara for WNYC


Announcing the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons!

We’re proud to announce the complete 2021/22 Season as well as initial work for the 2022/23 Season!

“As we considered our return to live performance, we realized that in addition to the interrupted commitments we’d made, the artists in our community had not stopped creating—there was even more work that demanded our attention,” said Artistic Director James C. Nicola and Managing Director Jeremy Blocker.

June 7, 2021 by NYTW