Sycorax, Cyber Queen of Qamara

Ego Actus presented an Equity Showcase Code production of Sycorax, Cyber Queen of Qamara by Fengar Gael, directed by Joan Kane.

The show opened November 1, 2018 at HERE Arts Center.

Description

The witch Sycorax, a character referred to, but never seen, in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, has waited 500 years for the right medium to tell her side of the story. The internet is what she was waiting for. The first half of the play is her backstory in wealthy households in Algiers where her family wants to marry her off to a man she does not like and she discovers her supernatural powers. She gets banished to the jungle island of Qamara and plots her revenge. Eight actors play 19 characters including four animals.

Cast

The cast featured Sandra Bargman*, Lauren Capkanis, Taylor Graves, Nick Giedris*, Kelly D. Cooper*, Brianna Fernandez, Hui Shan Yong, and Michael Pichardo.

Crew

The crew included set by G. Warren Stiles, costumes by Jeff Sturdivant, lights by Bruce A! Kraemer, sound by Ian Wehrle, projections by Kathryn Lieber with stage manager Sabrina Morabito, and press rep Andrea Alton.

Reviews

“It beats to life through Joan Kane’s taut direction and the gaudily theatrical performances she draws from a fine cast centering on a blazing performance.” Jon Sobel in Blog Critics, November 2, 2018

“Director Kane keeps the increasing tension between the two Sycorax figures tight and focused. While other elements and characters stride the border between cartoon and camp, the two women are the vibrant centers of opposing worlds.” Glenda Frank in NYTheatre-Wire.com, November 5, 2018

“Director Joan Kane has helped develop and stage a novel and relevant play that shows a woman, at the height of her powers, seeking to be herself, worship as she wishes, and simply live without being called a witch.”
Ed Malin in TheatreIsEasy, November 3, 2018

The Ego Actus production of Sycorax, Cyber Queen of Qamara averaged 82 on Show-Score.com and was a Trending Show.

Photos

Photo credit Al Foote III

The Program

*These actors appeared courtesy of Actors Equity Association.