Dutchman

Dutchman

by LeRoi Jones/Amiri Baraka
directed by DiMonte Henning

featuring the talents of Hannah Ripp-Dieter and Denzel Taylor
with production design by Colin Gawronski

Set on a New York subway train, Dutchman examines the brief, but fatal, relationship between Clay -- a well-dressed, intellectual, young African American man -- and Lula, an older, flirtatious, white woman. While Lula suggestively eats an apple, she flirts with Clay, becoming more and more personal as their conversation develops.

The performance is in one act and runs approximately 50 minutes.
Content warning: contains racist language, sexual content, depictions of violence, loud noises and flashing lights.


DUTCHMAN is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.

November 4th, 5th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 17th, 18th, & 19th* @ 7:00pm
November 13th, 2022 @ 2:00pm

All shows Pay-What-You-Wish (taxes and fees included, available online or at the door) or BUY A PASS today (4 shows for $99).

A NOTE TO OUR AUDIENCES: In researching our production of Dutchman, we have learned that Amiri Baraka (fka LeRoi Jones) published materials during his career containing anti-semetic views. At Sunstone Studios MKE, we firmly stand against anti-semitism in all its forms. Dutchman does not contain (to the best of our knowledge) any of Mr. Baraka’s anti-semetic views or language, but instead tells an important story about assimilation and Blackness in American society. We want to acknowledge and learn from the harms caused by Mr. Baraka, as well as acknowledge and learn from his powerful activism. We encourage our audiences to learn more about the complex person Amiri Baraka was. If you choose to do so, this nuanced article on his legacy as it relates to anti-semitism may be of value.
*Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances, the November 18th and 19th performances of Dutchman have been cancelled. If you held tickets to one of these performances, please email us to arrange a refund, tickets for another production, or donate your tickets to Sunstone. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

Cast

Denzel Taylor (Clay)

Denzel Taylor is an alum of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the First Wave-Hip Hop/Urban Arts scholarship program. In February of 2020, Denzel completed an Education residency with Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s Emerging Professional Residency program, teaching social-emotional literacy through theater practices. Since graduating from college in 2018, Denzel has expanded his theater credits, including Sheep and John Arable in Charlotte’s Web and Mr. Salt in Willy Wonka with Children’s Theater of Madison, Mayor in Romeo and Juliet with Theater Lila, and Asagai in Raisin with Skylight Music Theater. Additionally, Denzel is the former host of All Things Considered on 89.7 WUWM, Milwaukee’s NPR and this winter you can see him reprise his role as Jesus in the 10th annual production of Black Nativity with Black Arts Mke. Currently, Denzel has returned to the First Wave program as a performance teacher and makes his Sunstone Studio debut as Clay in their production of Dutchman by Amiri Baraka.

Hannah Ripp-Dieter (Lula)

Hannah is a Milwaukee-based actor and native of Madison, WI. She has been on stage with Forward Theater Company, Music Theatre of Madison, Theatre LILA, Children’s Theatre of Madison, American Players Theatre, The New York Musical Festival, and Fringe NYC, among others. Most recently she appeared as The Witch in MONSTERSONGS with Music Theatre of Madison. She would like to thank Dimonte and the Sunstone family for the chance to take on this complicated role. Love to Alex, family, and Scrats.

Deshawn A. Thomas
Young Man

Marquish Washington
Conductor

Abigail Stein
Passenger 1

Grace Berendt
Passenger 2

Desi Regan
Passenger 3

Production Staff

DiMonte Henning (Director)

Dimonte is grateful to direct some an iconic play as DUTCHMAN. Dimonte received his formal theater training from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with additional training from Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s Emerging Professional Residency Program (2015/2016 season). He is also a Founding Member of the Milwaukee Black Theater Festival and serves as Producing Artistic Director for Lights! Camera! Soul!. His previous directing credits include: The Colored Museum (Lights! Camera! Soul!), The Niceties (Forward Theater Co.), Pretty Fire (MKE Black Theater Fest.), and Black Nativity (Black Arts, MKE). His regional theater credits include: Toni Stone (Alliance Theatre), Stick Fly (Writers Theater), The Island & Deathtrap (Milwaukee Chamber Theater), Skeleton Crew (Forward Theater Co.), Our Town, A Christmas Carol, & Dreamgirls (Milwaukee Repertory Theater), The Wiz & The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (First Stage), Black Nativity (Black Arts MKE). TV and commercial credits include: Guest starring roles on NBC’s Chicago PD (Seasons 4&6), Disney’s Encore!, UBER, Inpro Designs, and Harley-Davidson.

Colin Gawronski (Production Designer)

Colin Gawronski is a lighting designer and theatrical technician native to Milwaukee who has worked extensively with Danceworks, Inc, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, and Black Arts MKE/Brozeville. They have worked with other local companies such as Renaissance Theaterworks, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, UWM Dance, Next Act, Wildspace, PrideFest Milwaukee, Bard and Bourbon, Gina Laurenzi Dance Project, and In Tandem Theatre. Colin has also worked with the Sacramento Music Circus, the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival and with the Indianapolis and Chicago Fringe Festivals. Favorite productions include: STEW, OUT OF MANY ONE, FIRES IN THE MIRROR, IGNITE:  A HIP HOP EXPERIENCE (since 2013), SECRETS FROM THE WIDE SKY, RUSSIAN TRANSPORT, FRANKIE AND JOHNNY, STORIES FROM A LIFE, THE GLASS MENAGERIE, SERENDIPITY, MAURITIUS, THRILL ME, IN A BLACK MOOD, MY FAIR LADY, LAMPS FOR MY FAMILY, and VAGABONDARE. Give Love Always.

Rebekah Farr (Stage Manager)

Rebekah Farr (she/her) has been working in Milwaukee as an actor, educator, techie and director since 2018. She is grateful for her experience with many Milwaukee companies such as First Stage, Skylight, Optimist, Constructivists, MCT, Sunstone Studios, Mad Rogues, and Renaissance Theaterworks. Her main passion is working with Pink Umbrella Theater Co as her personal mission is to make theater that is accessible to everyone. Many thanks to Amber and Dimonte for the opportunity to improve her stage management skills! Thanks for the trust and support. Much love to her friends and family always.

Special Thanks

An opening night reception was held at Tonic Tavern, the official opening night sponsor for our 2022-2023 season.