THE BROTHERS SIZE
APRIL 10-13, 2025
written by Tarell Alvin McCraney
directed by Anthony Mark Stockard
Don’t miss the 10th Anniversary Revival Production of Norfolk State University's first production to be invited to the International Black Theatre Festival and first to win national honors at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Tarell Alvin McCraney's The Brothers Size! Inspired by the rich tradition of the Yoruba people of West Africa, The Brothers Size transforms three West African Warrior Gods into everyday men as we follow the recently paroled Oshoosi as he seeks to jumpstart his life in the Louisiana bayou. Oshoosi quickly finds himself torn between his strict older brother Ogun, loyalty to his friend Elegba, and his dreams. Flights of poetry, music and West African mythology slam together in a visceral tale that begins in ritual and evolves into a hot-blooded, tough and tender drama about the need for freedom, what it looks like and who it belongs to.
REVIEW OF PROFESSOR STOCKARD'S
ORIGINAL 2014 PRODUCTION:
"Under Anthony Stockard's capable direction, featuring a tight ensemble, the production took otherwise commonplace themes of the search for manhood, and the meaning of brotherhood, freedom, and friendship to new heights.
Stockard keeps the action flowing smoothly throughout the play's many scene changes, all done flawlessly with shifts of furniture, affording each of his actors humanizing moments of sometimes coarse humor that mix well with the ritualistic elements of high seriousness as the brothers come to grips with things that matter most: their own brotherly bond and the ultimate realization for both that manhood requires compassion and understanding.”
– Michael Howley, American Theatre Critic’s Association Member –
NSU's Nationally Acclaimed, Award-Winning Theatre Company
Under the direction of award-winning actor, director and educator Professor Anthony Mark Stockard, NSU Theatre Company is the producing organization for theatrical productions at Norfolk State University. The company has garnered wide-spread audience acclaim, multiple national honors and awards for excellence.
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The mission of Norfolk State University Theatre Company is to serve as cultural ambassadors for Norfolk State University and diversify theatrical offerings within our region. This mission is accomplished by providing University students and the community with professional-grade theatrical experiences that are about or told through the lens of people from the African diaspora.
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In 2016, NSU Theatre Company became the first HBCU Theatre Program and one of few undergraduate programs in the nation to form a professional partnership agreement with a professional Equity company. This partnership with Virginia Stage Company provides annual professional collaborations and training opportunities for participants. Since then, similar partnerships have been established with Virginia Arts Festival and Zeider's American Dream Theatre.
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NATIONAL AWARD WINNER! DISTINGUISHED
PERFORMANCE BY AN
ACTOR IN A PLAY
Kennedy Center American
College Theatre Festival
NATIONAL AWARD WINNER! DISTINGUISHED
PERFORMANCE &
PRODUCTION ENSEMBLE
The HBCU Awards
NATIONAL AWARD WINNER!
BEST FINE ARTS PROGRAM
The National Black
Theatre Festival
MULTIPLE NATIONAL SELECTIONS!
OFFICIAL FESTIVAL
SELECTION
NATIONAL AWARD WINNER!
SUSTAINED EXCELENCE
FOR UNDERGRADUATE
ACTING TRAINING
University Resident
Theatre Association
Norfolk Theatre Festival
HISTORIC INAUGURAL PARTICIANT! OFFICIAL FESTIVAL
PRODUCTION
