The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis Returns to Live Theatre

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) is thrilled to announce the return to in-person performances with ‘Mlima’s Tale,’ a moving, lyrical journey through the dark world of the international ivory trade from two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage. 

“We are elated to bring this beautiful story of ‘Mlima’s Tale’ to our audience and excited beyond measure to share the journey with our patrons in person,”  said Hana S. Sharif, Augustin Family Artistic Director at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. “We have been working tirelessly behind the scenes with our various partners to safely bring the magic of live theatre back to the stage and cannot wait to welcome everyone home.”

The Rep has developed a comprehensive plan to keep actors, production staff and patrons safe in the return to live theatre.

‘Mlima’s Tale’ is The Rep’s only performance from the 2020-2021 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also The Rep’s first production at COCA’s state-of-the-art Berges Theatre. The St. Louis County Department of Health has given approval for reduced capacity performances at COCA.

“We have learned as an organization how to be more adaptive, nimble and innovative than ever before,” said Sharif. “We are so grateful for our Rep family that stood by and supported us during the pandemic and encouraged our safe return to live theatre.” 

‘Mlima’s Tale’ tells the story of a majestic and powerful African elephant murdered for his tusks. From beyond the veil of death, Mlima’s spirit follows the path of his tusks on a captivating and haunting journey through the dark world of the international ivory trade.

The cast includes Kambi Gathesha as Mlima, with Ezioma Asonye, Will Mann and Joe Ngo as the ensemble. The production will be directed by Shariffa Ali, Kirven Douthit-Boyd will serve as the choreographer, You-Shin Chen (scene design), Helen Huang (costume design), Jasmine Lesane (lighting design), Avi Amon (composer and sound design), Shannon B. Sturgis (stage management), R. Christopher Maxwell (assistant stage manager) and Madison Booth as the costume assistant; with Barbara Rubin serving as the African dialect coach and Joy Lanceta Coronel as the Asian dialect coach.

Tickets will be available to the general public on May 20 at repstl.org. Subscribers will have earlier access to seating and tickets.