Reconstructing (Still Working but the Devil Might Be Inside)

Reconstructing (Still Working but the Devil Might Be Inside) is a new theatrical work with a live musical score that examines if intimacy can and/or should exist between Black-identifying and white-identifying individuals in an anti-Black America. Still in development, our intention is to present Reconstructing to racially diverse audiences across the country and to make a work that is as useful to the audience, as the process has been to us as a company in earnestly and honestly reckoning with the profound costs of white supremacy. 

Reconstructing is made up of an amazing ensemble of artists, which includes: Brenda Abbandondolo, Denée Benton, Jhanaë Bonnick, Vinie Burrows, Rachel Chavkin, Eisa Davis, André De Shields, JJJJJerome Ellis, Katherine Freer, Jill Frutkin, Amber Gray, Jeremy O. Harris, Matt Hubbs, Modesto “Flako” Jimenez, Marika Kent, Libby King, Ian Lassiter, Zhailon Levingston, Jake Margolin, James Monaco, Kristen Sieh, Nick Vaughan, and Jillian Walker.  Jillian Walker serves as our Process Director. Milta Vega-Cardona has served as Process Chaplain throughout development.  Rachel Chavkin and Zhailon Levingston are the Co-Directors.

Reconstructing (Still Working but the Devil Might Be Inside) was commissioned by Round House Theatre in Bethesda, Maryland; Ryan Rilette, Artistic Director, Ed Zakreski, Managing Director.

Reconstructing (Still Working but the Devil Might Be Inside) received substantial development support from, and in-progress performances were presented by LUMBERYARD Center for Film and Performing Arts. Reconstructing was also developed with support from The Hopkins Center for the Arts at Dartmouth College.

Reconstructing (Still Working but the Devil Might Be Inside) has received support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and has received public funds from the National Endowment of the Arts, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with City Council. Reconstructing has also received support from the New England Foundation for the Arts and the Axe-Houghton Foundation, and film production support has been provided by Mighty Lucky Studios.

Special thanks to Khalil Abdullah, Beau and Rachel Alluli, Jessica Almasy, David Dower, Johanna Evans, Dr. Frances Forrest and the American Museum of Natural History, Deborah King, LUMBERYARD’s “Fresh Start” Program, and Neil Mazzella and Hudson Scenic. 

photos by Alon Koppel Photography, LUMBERYARD Center for Film and the Performing Arts; August 2019