Photo Coverage: THE EMPEROR JONES Opens at The Irish Rep

Eugene O'Neill's groundbreaking play The Emperor Jones is the story of Brutus Jones, a despot who ascends the throne using lies, intimidation and the politics of fear. Following a prison break in the United States, Jones sets himself up as monarch of a Caribbean island. When the Natives rebel after years of exploitation, Jones's mesmerizing journey into darkness becomes a terrifying psychological portrayal of power, fear, and madness. With his demons in heavy pursuit, the Emperor is forced to confront not just the mortal sins of his past but also the depravities against his ancestors-all in search of forgiveness and salvation.

The cast includes Obi Abili (Antigone; Gambit), William Bellamy (Finian's Rainbow), Carl Hendrick Louis (The Cherry Orchard), Sinclair Mitchell (The Lion King), Angel Moore (A Raisin in the Sun), Andy Murray (War Horse), and Reggie Talley (Stomp).

Check out photos from opening night below!

Irish Repertory Theatre, now in its 28th season, was co-founded by Producing Director Ciarán O'Reilly and Artistic Director Charlotte Moore. Irish Rep opened its doors in September 1988 with Sean O'Casey's The Plough and the Stars and is currently the only year-round theatre company in New York City devoted to bringing Irish and Irish American works to the stage. Recognized with the Jujamcyn Theatres Award, a special Drama Desk Award for "Excellence in Presenting Distinguished Irish Drama," an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Achievement, and the Lucille Lortel Award for "Outstanding Body of Work," the Irish Rep has celebrated the very best in Irish theatre for over twenty-five years, from the masters to the new generation of Irish and Irish American writers who are transforming the stage. Nearly 38,000 audience members annually attend productions at our theatre located in the heart of New York's Off-Broadway community. Once here, they witness the Irish Rep's engaging perspective on the Irish and their unique contributions to the world of drama.

Photo credit: Genevieve Rafter Keddy

William Bellamy and Andy Murray
William Bellamy and Andy Murray
Obi Abili
Obi Abili
Angel Moore and William Bellamy
Awoye Timpo, John Douglas Thompson (Brutus Jones in the 2009 Irish Rep Production), Obi Abili (Current Brutus Jones), Angel Moore, William Bellamy and Carl Hendrick Louis
The Cast-Carl Hendrick Louis, Reggie Talley, Obi Abili, Angel Moore, William Bellamy, Andy Murray and Sinclair Mitchell
The Cast-Carl Hendrick Louis, Reggie Talley, Obi Abili, Angel Moore, William Bellamy, Andy Murray and Sinclair Mitchell
The Cast-Carl Hendrick Louis, Reggie Talley, Obi Abili, Angel Moore, William Bellamy, Andy Murray and Sinclair Mitchell are joined by John Douglas Thompson, Bob Flanaghan, Ciaran O'Reilly (Director), Barry McNabb (Choreographer) and Charlotte Moore
Cast and Creative-Carl Hendrick Louis, Reggie Talley, Obi Abili, Angel Moore, William Bellamy, Andy Murray and Sinclair Mitchell with John Douglas Thompson, Bob Flanagan, Ciaran O'Reilly, Barry McNabb and Charlotte Moore
Kate Burton
Kate Burton