‘An Octoroon’ Makes its Regional Debut this June
An Octoroon, by Branden Jacob-Jenkins, is making its regional debut at Benchmark Theatre. The play will return for Benchmark Theatre’s fifth production of their 2021/2022 season after staying dormant for a year due to the pandemic. For this fifth season, the theatre chose shows that went with their ‘Aftermath’ theme, to address and respond to their period of dormancy; An Octoroon is one of these featured productions.
An Octoroon is a play about the late Judge Payton’s plantation, Terrebonne, being in financial ruins. Peyton’s nephew George, played by Mykai Eastman, falls in love with Zoe, played by Samantha Piel. M’Closky, also played by Mykai Eastman, has his own thoughts on what is unfolding in front of him with the Terrebonne and Zoe.
This production of An Octoroon is directed by donnie l. betts, Benchmark Theatre’s resident guest director, and features many more from the Denver acting community like Marie-Antoinette Banks, Kenya Fashaw, Teej Morgan, Latifah Johnson, Colleen Lee, and Josh Levy.
“Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ An Octoroon is a whirlwind of images and dialogue that leaves no one out of the conversation and makes no apologies for asking the hard questions,” Benchmark Theatre says.
An Octoroon will open on June 10 and close on July 9. The show runs from Thursdays to Saturdays at 8 p.m. and at 2 p.m. on Sundays.
The theater will also host an Industry Night Performance on June 27 at 8 p.m., where tickets will be $18. However, there will not be a performance on July 1 due to the 40West Arts District’s First Friday.
General admission tickets are $30, and the discounted price for older adults, students, and people affiliated with the military is $25. All performances on Thursdays will be priced at $15. Visit the Benchmark Theatre website for more information. There are so many amazing shows this 2021/2022 season, and among them, we are looking forward to seeing An Octoroon on stage this summer!
Photos courtesy of Benchmark Theatre
