DIARY OF A TAP DANCER

The electric new play weaves together dance, narrative, and song to reveal the power of reclaiming language, culture, and one’s own identity. This world-premiere production traces Ayodele’s life from her roots in The Bronx and Puerto Rico, while celebrating the extraordinary and often-overlooked women tap dancers who paved the way.

^{@ A.R.T, 2024-25}
^{Written and Choreographed by Ayodele Casel
Directed by Torya Beard
Scenic Design: Tatiana Kahvegian
Lighting design: Brandon Sitrling Baker

Projection Design: Kate Freer

Costume design: Camilla Dely

Sound design: Sharath Patel}^{Hair, Wig & Make-up Design: Earon Chew Nealey}
^{Compositions, Orchestrations, Arrangements: Carlos Cippelletti and Ethan D. Pakcha

Music Director: Nick Wilders

Associate Scenic Designer: Matthew Buttrey

Cast: Ayodele Casel, Naomi Funaki, Afra Hines, Quynn L. Johnson, Funmi Sofola, Liberty Styles, Annaliese Wilbur, Ki’Leigh Williams

Musicians: Carlos Cippelletti (Piano), Keisel Jiménez Leyva (Drums), Raul Reyes Bueno (Bass)}^{Design Dramaturg and Artistic Advisor: Susan Hilferty}^{Dramaturg: Jesse Cameron Alick

Associate Director: Yasmine Lee

Associate Choreographer: Naomi Funaki

Additional Choreography: Adesola Osakalumi

Production Stage Manager: Erin McCoy

Technical Director: Jim Bernhardt

Technical Director Consultant: Chris Swetcky

Additional Scenery Fabrication: Mystic Scenic Studios

Charge Scenic Artist: Gerard Vogt

Props Supervision: Erin Kehr

Photos: Nile Scott Studios and Maggie Hall}