Day of Absence
By Douglas Turner Ward
Remaining Absent
By Cris Eli Blak
MAY 22 - JUNE 1, 2025
Theater 555
555 West 42nd Street
Between 10th & 11th Avenue
Day of Absence
Written by American playwright Douglas Turner Ward, the play premiered off-off Broadway in1965. Telling the story of a Southern town where all of its Black residents suddenly disappear. Day of Absence explores themes of whiteness and discrimination against Black Americans through its insertion of Black actors into farcical situations inhabiting white bodies.
Remaining Absent
Both satirical and sobering, Remaining Absent takes us to Super Bowl Sunday as chaos erupts when it’s discovered that every Black person in America has suddenly vanished without explanation, causing a scramble to comprehend and cope with their disappearance. In a confrontation of fears, biases, and self-interests, the absurdity of privilege is laid bare.
CAST
PLAYWRIGHTS
Douglas Turner Ward
Day of Absence
Cris Eli Black
Remaining Absent
DIRECTOR
PRODUCTION CREW
Production Manager/Assistant Stage Manager – Lawrence Floyd
Stage Manager – Liam Riordan
Lighting Designer – Antoinette Tynes
Sound Designer – Patricia Floyd / Linwood Booker
Costume Designer – Kathy Roberson
Set Designer – Patrice Davidson
Property Master – Marlon Campbell
Projection Designer – Michele Baldwin
Wardrobe Assistant – Ziti
Sound / Projector Operator – Liam Riordan
Light Operator – Daryl Welch
Box Office Manager: Hannah Sha’afi