About the Show

This experimental, multi-disciplinary spectacle celebrates the life of Benjamin Banneker, a free black man living in Maryland from 1731 to 1806.

From the show:

The Transfiguration of Benjamin Banneker is a multi-disciplinary spectacle with a marching band, 12-foot puppets, shadow puppetry and moving projection screens. The band is an award-winning group, the Soul Tigers, young men and women who attend Benjamin Banneker High School in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

This event celebrates the life of Benjamin Banneker, a free black man living in Maryland from 1731 to 1806, who taught himself mathematics and astronomy, and made important scientific discoveries. In addition to Banneker's life, students from the high school contribute autobiographical material to the performance and will participate alongside professional performers.

Critic Reviews (3)

"‘The Transfiguration of Benjamin Banneker’ Review: An Unwieldy Ride A tale about the 18th-century African-American mathematician includes actors, a vibrant marching band and wackadoo puppetry."
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"A euphoric fantasia about the obscure 18th century African-American astronomer and renaissance man using puppetry, dance, spoken word and a marching band."
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"In this gorgeous, enlightening and ambitious -- if over-stuffed -- hour-long theatrical collage, Theodora Skipitares uses the eerie visual splendor of puppetry to illuminate…the fascinating and little known story….a kaleidoscopic look at African-Americans and space exploration."
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Trailer

Creative team