From June 8-21, 2020, the Wilma Theater released an archival recording of our 2018 production of James Ijames‘ Kill Move Paradise as a fundraiser to support Black Lives Matter Philly (BLM Philly). We raised more than $40,000 in donations, all of which went to BLM Philly. ALL PROCEEDS SUPPORTED BLACK LIVES MATTER PHILLY (BLM PHILLY).
BY JAMES IJAMES
DIRECTED BY BLANKA ZIZKA
ORIGINALLY PRODUCED AT THE WILMA THEATER IN PHILADELPHIA, SEPTEMBER 2018
James Ijames’ New York Times Critics’ Pick play Kill Move Paradise tells the story of Isa, Daz, Grif, and Tiny, four Black men who find themselves stuck in a cosmic waiting room in the afterlife. Inspired by the ever growing list of slain unarmed Black people, this play depicts these men as symbols of life and hope. Gone but never forgotten, Kill Move Paradise illustrates the possibilities of collective transformation and radical acts of joy.
The play frankly describes and depicts moments of violence and racism.
The characters use strong language.
READ AN INTERVIEW WITH PLAYWRIGHT/CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTOR JAMES IJAMES AND PERFORMER LINDSAY SMILING
James Ijames’s beautiful, elegiac play ponders the unjustified killings of black youth by police officers through an unblinking, everlasting gaze.
New York Times
WATCH A CONVERSATION WITH THE CAST AND BLACK LIVES MATTER PHILLY
Are you a teacher, professor or school administrator interested in streaming Kill Move Paradise with your students? For more information about watching the show and available educational resources, please contact Education education@wilmatheater.org.
FEATURING: Avery Hannon, Anthony Martinez-Briggs, Brandon J Pierce, Lindsay Smiling
DIRECTOR Blanka Zizka
SET DESIGNER Matt Saunders
LIGHTING DESIGNER Thom Weaver
COSTUME DESIGNER LeVonne Lindsay
COMPOSER/SOUND DESIGNER Justin Ellington
MOVEMENT CONSULTANT Silvana Cardell
DRAMATURG Walter Bilderback
PRODUCTION MANAGER Clayton Tejada
RESIDENT STAGE MANAGER Patreshettarlini Adams
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER Casey Berner
READ THE WILMABILL FROM THE 2018 PRODUCTION
This recording is meant for private viewing only and may not be screened for any other purpose. Under no circumstances may this recording be shared or duplicated. This recording has been made available in partnership with the employees represented by Actors Equity Association, Stage Directors & Choreographers Society and United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE.
