A Fresh Take on Shakespeare’s ‘Pericles’ Infused with Black Gospel Music

While Shakespeare’s works often demand careful attention and sometimes a dictionary, the musical version of ‘Pericles’ offers a more rhythmic experience, with tambourines setting the tone.

This tragicomedy, centered on themes of life, love, and transformation, has been re-envisioned as a two-hour musical deeply inspired by the gospel traditions rooted in the American Black church. The production is presented by the Public Theater’s Public Works program.

For over ten years, Public Works has produced a series of accessible musical adaptations at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, including past renditions of ‘As You Like It’ and ‘The Tempest.’ This year’s ‘Pericles’ is a free, first-come, first-served event, featuring a cast that blends everyday New Yorkers with professional actors.

Denée Benton, known for her role in ‘The Gilded Age,’ portrays the princess Thaisa. She described participating in the production as a significant milestone, especially relevant given the current political environment.

“I truly admire the Public Theater’s dedication to free theatrical programming,” Benton remarked. “It’s particularly important now, as government support for public arts programs is being drastically reduced.”

Ato Blankson-Wood, who plays the title role of Pericles, shared similar views. “Presenting a character who continually seeks optimism despite adversity can offer comfort and hope during these challenging times,” he said.

In an unusual move, this year’s Public Works production takes place at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Manhattan’s Morningside Heights neighborhood, running from Friday through Tuesday. Typically, Public Works performances follow the Shakespeare in the Park season at the Delacorte Theater. However, due to an $85 million renovation and the current run of ‘Twelfth Night’ at the Delacorte, the ‘Pericles’ production was relocated.

During a recent warm Saturday rehearsal at the Public Theater, a pianist led the cast through soulful melodies that transformed the atmosphere from calm to jubilant, evoking the spirit of a Sunday worship service.

Troy Anthony, who composed the music and lyrics, observed the cast as his work came to life. “They say write what you know, and gospel music is what I grew up with,” he explained.

Commissioned over four years ago, Anthony created 19 original songs for the production, inspired by gospel’s profound ability to express personal testimonies amid hardship.

“Writing these songs meant capturing the essence of the human experience—timeless struggles and emotions that persist through generations,” Anthony added.

‘Pericles’ is among Shakespeare’s more intricate narratives, following a prince separated from his family by numerous calamities. The story features events like shipwrecks and tournaments, and characters including princesses, pirates, and courtesans.

The production involves 100 community participants ranging from 11 to 80 years old, representing eight partner organizations across New York’s five boroughs, such as Children’s Aid and the Brownsville Recreation Center.

One of the cast members, Kamal Sabra, 43, an MRI technician from the Bronx and a first-time Public Works actor, plays the villainous King Antiochus. Sabra joined through the Military Resilience Foundation and described the experience as surreal. He hopes his role will encourage others to engage with Shakespeare.

“Shakespeare belongs to everyone,” Sabra said. “It doesn’t matter if you attend a prestigious college or grew up in Brooklyn.”

Fatemata Krubally, 26, a Broadway usher and Bronx resident who portrays the nurse Lychorida, cherished the vibrant energy during rehearsals. “There’s an infectious enthusiasm here that’s hard to find elsewhere,” she said. Krubally has participated in Public Works for eight years, initially through the DreamYard organization.

“This is my fifth production with the program,” she noted. “People come from diverse backgrounds, but we share a common mission: to highlight the brilliance of this city, the power of theater, and the accessibility of Shakespeare.”

Director Carl Cofield led the cast through the final act, carefully refining performances with each take.

“I believe anyone attending this rendition of ‘Pericles’ will leave deeply moved,” Cofield said, emphasizing that the audience will witness the protagonist confronting profound themes of grief, loss, and responsibility.

The production debuts amid a period of political challenges to the arts and diversity initiatives, with recent funding cuts and increased oversight demands affecting cultural institutions.

“It’s an intense moment,” Blankson-Wood reflected, “but having a story that models hope, optimism, and resilience is vital to keep spirits lifted and moving forward.”