Photo Flash: First Look - Athol Fugard's THE SHADOW OF THE HUMMINGBIRD at Long Wharf Theatre, Now Playing

Long Wharf Theatre presents the world premiere of The Shadow of the Hummingbird, written by and starring Athol Fugard, with an introductory scene by Paula Fourie, and directed by Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein. The play takes place on Stage II through April 27, 2014. Tickets are $40-$70. Check out a first look below!

In addition to Fugard, the cast includes Aiden McMillan and Dermot McMillan, alternating in the role of his grandson Boba. The creative team includes Fourie, who wrote the introductory scene with extracts from Athol Fugard's unpublished notebooks, Eugene Lee (sets), Susan Hilferty (costumes), Michael Chybowski (lights), and John Gromada (sound). Jason Kaiser is the stage manager.

Fugard returns to the stage for the first time in 15 years in his newest play. When Fugard's character of Oupa is visited by his ten-year-old grandson (who is playing hooky from school) the two spend a memorable afternoon together. The boy reminds the old man of his lost sense of wonder, while the child is given a bit of hard-earned wisdom. In a charming meditation on the beauty and transience of the world around us, Fugard continues to mine the depths of the human spirit with profound empathy and heart.

The Shadow of the Hummingbird is an apolitical, quiet work, dealing with perhaps the underlying theme of much of Fugard's writing. "It is a play about love. That is the primal energy I use in my writing. If I don't love something I can't write about it. Love is an incredible, indefinable, mysterious energy," he said.

For more information about The Shadow of the Hummingbird or to purchase tickets, visit www.longwharf.org or call 203-787-4282.

Photos by T. Charles Erickson