If there is one thing that I look forward to each summer, it is whatever the Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) is doing in the Richard Rodgers Amphitheater (Marcus Garvey Park at 122nd Street). This summer, Ty Jones, CTH’s producing artistic director, is bringing another incredible play to the center stage in its 2025 Uptown Shakespeare in the Park production. During its 25th anniversary, CTH is presenting “Memnon,” which tells the story of the legendary Ethiopian warrior-king, a long-overlooked hero of the Trojan War. The production, which is free, runs through July 27.
We recently spoke with Will Power, “Memnon”’s playwright, about the production:
AmNews: Why write about “Memnon”?
Will Power: Greek culture is considered by the Western world to be in many ways the pinnacle of civic, artistic, and political sophistication — the birthplace of civilization and the foundation from which all European culture comes from. It is often exhibited as an exclusively European, or even white possession. When in reality, Ancient Greece built much, and some say most, of its cultural principles off of Ancient Africa, particularly the civilizations of Egypt and Ethiopia. This also extends to ancient Greek mythology, where one can find great African figures that were revered, characters that played key roles in Greek mythology, and in particular, the Trojan War. The fact that Memnon, a biracial king from Africa, would be such an important character in Greek mythology, yet one that has been forgotten and otherwise erased, is what drew me to this story. Who was Memnon and why did he come to help the soon to be defeated ancient city of Troy? What did he struggle with, and what was his aim? Though we know the original summary of this myth, the details and the actual meat of the narrative is lost to time. This then was an exciting proposition for me as a playwright: to research and unpack what little we know, and use my own imagination and creative inclinations to figure out the rest. Writing “Memnon” proved to be a great artistic challenge that I couldn’t resist.
AmNews: Why is his history a part of the Trojan War not talked about?
WP: Racism. How difficult would it be to uphold white supremacy in all things, when a character as heroic, strong, divine and noble as Memnon was known to non-European peoples? Though I have no proof of this, I feel that this is the reason. In Ancient Greek and even Roman culture, Memnon as a character was revered. These societies, while problematic in their own right, didn’t have racism, or at least not the kind that we possess today. When racism based on white supremacy began to emerge post-Roman Empire, you don’t hear about Memnon. Thus, my hypothesis. Though it could’ve been that all of the previous works about Memnon were lost by chance.
AmNews: What was it like to be a co-conceiver on this production with Carl Cofield, the director?
WP: Amazing. Working with Carl and the Classical Theater of Harlem has been one of the great experiences of my life, I feel, in CTH and [in] Carl I have found [a] kindred spirit that totally gets what I’m attempting to achieve on an almost intuitive level. Carl is truly gifted as a director, especially when it comes to the classics. It was a joy to collaborate with him on “Memnon.”
AmNews: What do you want audiences to come away with?
WP: I would love for this play to spark lively conversations throughout Harlem and beyond about mythology, “otherness,” and the complexities of citizenship – i.e. what makes a citizen? And what society is or isn’t worth fighting for?
AmNews: Why should people see this show?
WP: Because it only runs for a few more performances, and it’s free! I am so honored and satisfied, which is not always the case, with this production of “Memnon.” I encourage everyone to come out and see it.
The cast features Eric Berryman as Memnon, Andrea Patterson as Helen, Jesse J. Perez as Priam and Nestor, David Darrow as Polydamas and Antilochus, and Jesse Corbin as Achilles.
Bill Moore photos
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams speaking at opening of CTH’s “Memnon.” Credit: Bill Moore photo 
Scenes from Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) staging of “Memnon,” now on at Marcus Garvey Park. 
Scenes from Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) staging of “Memnon,” now on at Marcus Garvey Park. 
Scenes from Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) staging of “Memnon,” now on at Marcus Garvey Park.
The technical team includes Riw Rakkulchon, scenic design; Celeste Jennings, costume design; Alan C. Edwards, lighting design; Emmanuel Brown, fight director; Frederick Kennedy, sound design; and Yee Eun Nam and Hannah Tran, music and co-video designers.
The show is presented Tuesdays through Sundays at 8:30 p.m. Admission is free; you can RSVP at cthnyc.org, and walk-ins are also welcome — but I must warn you: Whether you RSVP or just walk in, plan to get there early because seats fill very quickly.
CTH is always making sure to present our stories and shine a creative and exciting spotlight on Black creativity and excellence. Hope to see you there!