Sulo: The Philippine Studies Initiative at NYU, NYU’s King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center, and Atlantic Pacific Theater have joined forces to present online the play Black Henry by NYU adjunct professor Luis H. Francia (Social and Cultural Analysis).

Black Henry, which will premiere online on Sunday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m. (ET), explores the profound consequences of a clash of cultures, when in 1521 Ferdinand Magellan and three Spanish ships make landfall in the Philippines. His Malay slave, Enrique, acts as the go-between for the conquistadors and the islanders. However, Magellan’s disastrous attempt to colonize the islands not only complicates Enrique’s life but alters irrevocably the character and destiny of the archipelago.

This innovative virtual dramatization will mix pre-recorded segments with live acting, as well as virtual scenography in an example of a new and innovative approach to online theater. A global cast of actors from New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Manila will bring to life this epic story. Directed by Claro de los Reyes, with creative design by Francis Estrada, Charles Reynoso, and Cynthia Alberto, from Atlantic Pacific Theater. Live production, online realization, and staging by Laia Cabrera and Isabelle Duverger.

Sunday, April 25, 6:30pm (ET) - Online premiere, followed by a talkback with Luis H. Francia (author), Claro de los Reyes (stage director), and Nerissa Balce (SUNY Stony Brook’s Department of Asian and Asian American Studies). Live stream on http://facebook.com/kjccnyu/live.

Monday, April 26, 6:30pm (ET) - Live stream on http://facebook.com/kjccnyu/live.

Tuesday, April 27, 6:30pm (ET) - Live stream on http://facebook.com/kjccnyu/live.

Learn more at https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2021/april/BlackHenryPremieresApr25.html