Party People 
by UNIVERSES
(Steven Sapp, Mildred Ruiz-Sapp, and William Ruiz, aka Ninja) 
directed by Steven Sapp 
choreographed by Millicent Johnnie 
in the Pamela Brown Auditorium 
April 5-16, 2023 

Actors Theatre welcomes back the award-winning ensemble UNIVERSES (Ameriville, Slanguage, Rhythmicity) for a kinetic mix of poetry, jazz, blues, hip-hop, boleros, salsa, and storytelling based on interviews with members of the Black Panther Party and Young Lords Organization. Party People is a dynamic musical that illuminates the complex legacy of these revolutionary movements, and the potential for cross-cultural coalitions to bring power to the people.

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Run Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission

Content Warning: This production uses strobe lighting, theatrical haze, mature language, gunshot sounds, prop firearms, discussion of racialized violence and suicide.

Age Recommendation: 16+

Post-Show Conversations: Join members of UNIVERSES in the lobby after the performances April 8-16 for a post-show conversation.

Closed Caption Performances: Sunday, April 9 at 2 p.m. and Thursday, April 13 at 7 p.m.

ASL Interpreted Performance: Sunday, April 16 at 2 p.m. 

Student & Educator Nights Every Wednesday. Discounted tickets for students and educators are available for $15 plus fees. 

Power to the People| A Community Conversation: Saturday, April 8 at 3pm join us in the Pamela Brown Auditorium for a rich dialogue with former members of the Black Panther Party, moderated by Executive Artistic Director Robert Barry Fleming. The community conversation is a FREE event open to all. The performance of Party People follows at 7pm, allowing time to grab a bite of dinner in between. The Community Conversation is sponsored by the LG&E and KU Foundation. Learn more and meet the speakers.

MEET THE ARTISTS