Pictured: Gregory Fenner, and Martel Manning. 

The Gift Theatre has announced the cast and production team for its world premiere of Stacy Amma Osei-Kuffour’s HANG MAN, directed by Jess McLeod.

The production will feature ensemble members Paul D’Addario, Gregory Fenner and Martel Manning with Andy Fleischer, Jennifer Glasse, Mariah Sydnei Gordon and Angela Morris.

Pictured: (top, l to r) ensemble members Paul D’Addario, Gregory Fenner and Martel Manning with (bottom, l to r) Andy Fleischer, Jennifer Glasse, Mariah Sydnei Gordon and Angela Morris.

The production team includes Arnel Sancianco (scenic design), Alarie Hammock (costume design), Mike Durst (lighting design), Stephen Ptacek (sound design) and Rachel Flesher (violence/intimacy design).

From the press release: “The community of a backwoods Southern town grapples with the murder of a black man who is found hanging in a tree. As events unfold, the hanging mystifies the people of the community, forcing them to confront their complicity in this man’s horrific demise. Osei-Kuffour’s darkly comical, heartbreaking play, which recently made the prestigious 2017 Kilroy’s List, uses absurdity to explore racism, sexuality and the parts of American history we would all like to forget.”

Comments Artistic Director Michael Patrick Thornton, “The Gift is honored to produce the world premiere of HANG MAN. Stacy Amma Osei-Kuffour’s voice is singular, bold, incisive and humorous. The moment we finished her play, we were shook, terrified, and knew we had to embrace it.

HANG MAN will play March 2 – April 29, 2018 at 4802 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago. For more information visit thegifttheatre.org.