Ato Essandoh, Nedra Marie Taylor, Nimene Sierra Wureh Lead Cast of Francisca Da Silveira’s Off-Broadway Premiere “minor•ity”

New York, NY – A distinguished ensemble of actors has been assembled for the highly anticipated world premiere of “minor•ity”, the new play by emerging playwright Francisca Da Silveira. The Off-Broadway production, co-presented by acclaimed companies Colt Coeur and WP Theater, has officially announced its complete cast ahead of performances scheduled for spring 2025.

Esteemed actor Ato Essandoh, known for his versatile performances across stage and screen, will portray the character of Cheikh Malick Diallo. Joining him are Nedra Marie Taylor in the role of Céza Depina and Nimene Sierra Wureh as Sami Monroe. This trio forms the core cast bringing Da Silveira’s new work to life under the direction of Shariffa Ali.

Key Cast Members Revealed

Ato Essandoh is a familiar face to audiences, celebrated for his compelling presence in various projects. His casting as Cheikh Malick Diallo is expected to bring depth and gravitas to the role. Nedra Marie Taylor, a performer with a growing reputation for dynamic portrayals, takes on the part of Céza Depina. Completing the central ensemble is Nimene Sierra Wureh, who steps into the role of Sami Monroe, adding another layer of talent to the production. The careful selection of this cast underscores the significance of this world premiere.

Casting for this production was skillfully managed by Destiny Lilly of the prominent casting office The Telsey Office. The involvement of The Telsey Office, a firm renowned for its expertise in theatrical casting, signals the production’s commitment to assembling a high-caliber company capable of realizing Da Silveira’s vision.

Creative Leadership and Collaborating Theaters

The creative team guiding “minor•ity” is led by playwright Francisca Da Silveira and director Shariffa Ali. Da Silveira is recognized as a compelling new voice in contemporary theatre, and “minor•ity” represents a significant milestone in her career with this major Off-Broadway premiere. Shariffa Ali, the director, is known for her innovative and insightful approaches to new works, making her a fitting collaborator for Da Silveira’s text. Her direction will be crucial in shaping the world and characters of the play.

The production is a collaborative effort between Colt Coeur and WP Theater. Colt Coeur is an ensemble company dedicated to developing and producing new works by diverse writers. WP Theater (formerly Women’s Project Theater) has a long-standing history of championing the work of women and non-binary theatre artists. Their joint presentation of “minor•ity” highlights the play’s alignment with their missions to foster new narratives and support underrepresented voices in the American theatre landscape.

About the Play “minor•ity”

The play itself is set against a unique and evocative backdrop: the Diamond Jubilee celebration of an international African arts conference. This setting suggests a rich tapestry of cultural exchange, history, and potential dramatic tension. As a world premiere, the specific narrative arc of “minor•ity” remains eagerly anticipated, with the setting promising a vibrant and complex exploration of themes likely related to identity, heritage, global connection, and the intersection of past and present within a significant cultural event. The title “minor•ity” itself hints at explorations of perspective, representation, or belonging within such a large-scale international context.

Performance Dates and Venue

The world premiere of “minor•ity” is scheduled for a limited Off-Broadway engagement in New York City. Performances are set to begin on Saturday, March 29, 2025, and will run through Sunday, April 27, 2025. The official opening night has been set for Monday, April 14, 2025, a key date in the production’s timeline. Further details regarding the specific Off-Broadway venue will be announced at a later date, alongside information regarding tickets and box office access.

Anticipation Builds for the Premiere

The announcement of the complete cast marks a significant step forward for this highly anticipated production. The combination of Francisca Da Silveira’s writing, Shariffa Ali’s direction, the support of Colt Coeur and WP Theater, and the talents of Ato Essandoh, Nedra Marie Taylor, and Nimene Sierra Wureh creates considerable excitement. The unique setting of the play, coupled with the caliber of the artists involved, positions “minor•ity” as a notable event in the upcoming Off-Broadway season.

The world premiere offers audiences an opportunity to experience a brand new work from a compelling playwright, brought to life by a distinguished team. As March 2025 approaches, the theatre community and patrons interested in insightful and culturally resonant storytelling await the unveiling of “minor•ity” on the Off-Broadway stage.