Wilma Theatercast

Legacy and Lessons – Choreography, Set Design, and Lessons from The Half-God of Rainfall

In this final episode of Wilma Theatercast, hosts Dwight Dunston and Toby Fraser reflect on the artistry and impact of The Half-God of Rainfall. They are joined by Ontaria Kim Wilson (Assistant Director & Choreographer) and Dahlia Al-Habieli (Scenic Designer) to explore how movement and scenic design shaped this powerful production. 🎭 Ontaria Kim Wilson shares how choreography balances Yoruba dance, Grecian movement, and contemporary theatrical techniques to honor the play’s themes while ensuring care for actors and audiences. 🎭 Dahlia Al-Habieli discusses the challenges of creating a set that moves between myth and reality, reflecting the vast scale of the story. Topics Covered in This Episode 🌍 The Role of Movement in Mythological Storytelling 🎭 Honoring Yoruba & Greek Traditions in Theater 🛠️ Scenic Design as World-Building 🎤 Abstract vs. Literal Representation in Set Design 💭 Final Reflections on The Half-God of Rainfall Guest Bios Ontaria Kim Wilson is a choreographer, director, and educator pursuing an MFA in Directing at Temple University. A founding member of Rennie Harris Puremovement, she has choreographed for artists including Gina Thompson, Eve, and Teddy Pendergrass. Her work on The Half-God of Rainfall blends traditional dance forms, abstraction, and ritual to elevate storytelling. Dahlia Al-Habieli is an award-winning scenic designer and educator whose work has been seen at Virginia Stage Company, Trinity Rep, Dallas Theater Center, and PlayMakers Rep. She has held faculty positions at Carnegie Mellon, Wake Forest, and Albright College. Her set designs use symbolism and space to transform the audience’s experience of myth and reality. Featured Music & Resources 🎭 Explore More About the Play * The Half-God of Rainfall at Wilma Theater will be available to stream until March 30, 2025 – Visit here [https://wilmatheater.org/event/thehalfgodofrainfall/] * Wilma Theater’s Dramaturgy Page – Read more [https://wilmatheater.org/blog/dramaturgy-the-half-god-of-rainfall/] 🎵 Music from the Episode * The Half-God of Rainfall score by Jordan McCree & Elle Morris of Ill Doots * The Half-God Mixtape by Dwight Dunston & Martronimous (Available on Apple Music & Spotify) * Additional music from Epidemic Sound What’s Next for Wilma Theatercast? As The Half-God of Rainfall concludes, should Wilma Theatercast continue for future productions? Upcoming productions include: * Archduke by Rajiv Joseph (April 15 – May 4, 2025) * A Summer Day by Jon Fosse (June 10 – 29, 2025) Let us know your thoughts—connect with us on social media @WilmaTheater, or leave a voice message at 856-283-2116. This keeps key themes, guest highlights, and resources while cutting excess words to fit within 3,500 characters. Let me know if you need any final tweaks! 🚀 📱 Follow us on social media: @wilmatheater 🎭 The Tony Award-winning Wilma Theater joyfully produces the Wilma Theatercast [https://wilmatheater.org/blog/half-god-bonus-content/] as part of our Accessible Productions Initiative. This program brings community partners into the rehearsal process and invites them to respond creatively to the work. This program is made possible with support from the William Penn Foundation.

Clash of Titans – Masculinity, Culture, and Justice

In this episode of Wilma Theatercast, hosts Dwight Dunston and Toby Fraser take us inside one of the most electrifying moments of The Half-God of Rainfall—the confrontation between Shango and Zeus. This battle isn’t just about divine power; it’s a collision of ideologies, masculinity, and justice. Joining the conversation are three brilliant artists: Jess Conda, Jen Kidwell, and Mel Crodman, who explore gender, power, and resistance—both in the play and in our everyday lives. They reflect on the Masculinity Action Project, their past collaborations on Those With Two Clocks, and how theater can disrupt patriarchy and expand gender possibilities. The episode also features a special performance from The Half-God Mixtape, blending music, mythology, and movement to reimagine the story beyond the stage. Guest Bios * Jess Conda – Performer, producer, and educator. She is the Director of Education and Community Practice at the Wilma Theater, using theater as a tool for social change. * Jenn Kidwell – Obie-winning artist known for Underground Railroad Game, which challenges power, gender roles, and capitalism through provocative performance. * Mel Krodman – Queer, trans nonbinary performer and cultural organizer exploring gender, Jewish identity, and collective storytelling as resistance. Topics Covered in This Episode 🔥 Shango vs. Zeus – A Battle of Masculinity and Power 🔥 How Gender and Justice Shape the Play’s Storytelling 🔥 Breaking Patriarchy with Theater – Lessons from Those With Two Clocks 🔥 The Masculinity Action Project – Reclaiming Closeness & Softness 🔥 Personal Gender Journeys – Metaphors of Identity 🔥 How Music and Movement Expand the Play’s Mythology Featured Music & Resources 🎭 Explore More About the Play The Half-God of Rainfall is playing at The Wilma Theater live in Philadelphia February 11 – March 2, 2025, and streaming for a limited time in March. Visit WilmaTheater.org for tickets and more information. * The Half-God of Rainfall at Wilma Theater – Visit here [https://wilmatheater.org/event/thehalfgodofrainfall/] * Wilma Theater’s Dramaturgy Page – Read more [https://wilmatheater.org/blog/dramaturgy-the-half-god-of-rainfall/] 🎵 Music from the Episode * The Half-God of Rainfall original score by Jordan McCree & Elle Morris of Ill Doots * The Half-God Mixtape by Dwight Dunston & Martronimous * Additional music from Epidemic Sound 🎧 Listen to The Half-God Mixtape * Available on iTunes and Spotify – Just search The Half-God Mixtape by Sterling Duns What does gender liberation look like to you? Share your thoughts on social media @WilmaTheater and be part of the conversation! 📱 Follow us on social media: @wilmatheater 🎭 The Tony Award-winning Wilma Theater joyfully produces the Wilma Theatercast [https://wilmatheater.org/blog/half-god-bonus-content/] as part of our Accessible Productions Initiative. This program brings community partners into the rehearsal process and invites them to respond creatively to the work. This program is made possible with support from the William Penn Foundation.

Demi’s Rise – Identity and the Burden of Power with Lindsay Smiling

What happens when a demigod’s rise threatens the gods themselves? In this episode of Wilma Theatercast, hosts Dwight Dunston and Toby Fraser sit down with Lindsay Smiling, director of The Half-God of Rainfall, to explore the themes of power, identity, and myth in this epic play. As Demi—born to Modúpẹ́ and Zeus—rises from obscurity to fame on the global basketball stage, his story becomes more than a game. It’s a battle over destiny, masculinity, and the weight of divine and human expectations. Lindsay Smiling takes us behind the scenes of his directorial debut at The Wilma Theater. He discusses how this production brings poetry to life, how mythology shapes our modern world, and the challenges of directing a story that wrestles with patriarchy, trauma, and power themes. We also hear from audience members who attended the show, sharing their emotional reactions to this gripping and visually stunning production. Guest: Lindsay Smiling Lindsay Smiling is an award-winning Philadelphia-based actor, director, and educator. He has worked with over 20 theater companies and is a Wilma Theater’s HotHouse Company member. Currently a co-artistic director at Wilma Theater, Lindsay has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of theater, focusing on bold, innovative storytelling. A founding member of the Black Theater Alliance of Philadelphia, he has helped create space for Black artists in the region. Lindsay holds a B.A. from Illinois State University and an MFA from Temple University. The Half-God of Rainfall marks his directorial debut at The Wilma Theater, where he takes on the challenge of translating an epic poem into a powerful stage experience. Resources & References from the Episode: 📖 Learn More About the Play & Its Themes: * The Half-God of Rainfall at Wilma Theater – Visit here [https://wilmatheater.org/event/thehalfgodofrainfall/] * Wilma Theater’s Dramaturgy Page – Read more [https://wilmatheater.org/blog/dramaturgy-the-half-god-of-rainfall/] * The Role of Greek and Yoruba Mythology – Explore the connections [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Yoruba-mythology] 🎭 About the Wilma Theater Production: * Meet the Cast – Read more [https://wilmatheater.org/] * Lindsay Smiling’s Wilma Theater Profile – Visit here [https://wilmatheater.org/] 🎤 Music in this Episode: * Original compositions from The Half-God of Rainfall by Jordan McCree & Elle Morris of Ill Doots * The Half-God Mixtape by Dwight Dunston & Martronimous * Additional music from Epidemic Sound 🎟️ The Half-God of Rainfall is playing at The Wilma Theater live in Philadelphia from February 11th – March 2nd, 2025, and streaming for a limited time in March. Visit WilmaTheater.org [https://wilmatheater.org/event/thehalfgodofrainfall/] for tickets and more information. 📱 Follow us on social media: @wilmatheater 🎭 The Tony Award-winning Wilma Theater joyfully produces the Wilma Theatercast [https://wilmatheater.org/blog/half-god-bonus-content/] as part of our Accessible Productions Initiative. This program brings community partners into the rehearsal process and invites them to respond creatively to the work. This program is made possible with support from the William Penn Foundation.

Modúpẹ́’s Story – Power, Pain, and Resistance with Brittany Onukwugha

How do myths, power, and resistance shape our understanding of the world? In this episode of Wilma Theatercast, hosts Dwight Dunston and Toby Fraser explore the foundational elements of The Half-God of Rainfall, diving deep into mythology, gender, and the power structures that shape our lives. They are joined by Brittany Onukwugha, associate producer and dramaturg for Wilma Theater, who breaks down the historical and cultural research behind the play. From Yoruba mythology to the Greek pantheon, Brittany unpacks the role of storytelling in shaping justice, identity, and survival. She also reflects on how this play has personally transformed her understanding of heritage, community, and resistance. This conversation is rich with insights on the play’s themes, the artistry behind its production, and the sacrifices of its central character, Modúpẹ́—a mother whose strength, love, and resilience drive the heart of the story. Guest: Brittany Onukwugha Brittany Onukwugha is an actor, dramaturg, and arts administrator passionate about storytelling and creative research. She is the associate producer at Wilma Theater and a Barrymore Award-nominated performer. Brittany, a Rutgers University–Camden graduate, has worked with theaters across Philadelphia, including Arden Theatre Company, Delaware Shakespeare, Theatre Horizon, and EgoPo Classic Theatre. Her dramaturgical work for The Half-God of Rainfall involved extensive research into Yoruba mythology, Greek tragedy, and the cultural legacy of orality in storytelling. She also brings experience as an associate choreographer, dance captain, and fight captain, making her a multi-talented theater artist dedicated to dynamic and intentional storytelling. * Learn more about Brittany: Wilma Theater Profile [https://wilmatheater.org/artist/brittany-onukwugha/] * Brittany's YouTube Channel: Watch here [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9vs85tA3L9BJ0IKoctAiXg] 📖 Learn More About the Play & Its Themes: * The Half-God of Rainfall at Wilma Theater – Visit here [https://wilmatheater.org/event/thehalfgodofrainfall/] * Wilma Theater’s Dramaturgy Page – Read more [https://wilmatheater.org/blog/dramaturgy-the-half-god-of-rainfall/] * Yoruba & Greek Mythology – Learn more [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Yoruba-mythology] * Egúngún Festival & Orisha Worship – Read more [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Orisha] * The Role of Hera in Greek Mythology – Explore Hera’s myths [https://www.worldhistory.org/Hera/] 🎤 Music in this Episode: * Original compositions from The Half-God of Rainfall by Jordan McCree & Elle Morris of Ill Doots * The Half-God Mixtape by Dwight Dunston & Martronimous * Additional music from Epidemic Sound 🎟️ The Half-God of Rainfall is playing at The Wilma Theater live in Philadelphia February 11th – March 2nd, 2025, and streaming for a limited time in March. Visit WilmaTheater.org [https://wilmatheater.org/event/thehalfgodofrainfall/] for tickets and more information. 📱 Follow us on social media: @wilmatheater 🎭 The Tony Award-winning Wilma Theater joyfully produces the Wilma Theatercast [https://wilmatheater.org/blog/half-god-bonus-content/] as part of our Accessible Productions Initiative. This program brings community partners into the rehearsal process and invites them to respond creatively to the work. This program is made possible with support from the William Penn Foundation.

Setting the Stage – Myths, Masculinity, and Basketball with Inua Ellams

How do myths shape our understanding of masculinity, power, and sport? In this premiere episode of Wilma Theatercast, hosts Dwight Dunston and Toby Fraser dive into the world of The Half-God of Rainfall with its creator, Inua Ellams [https://www.inuaellams.com/]. This genre-defying play blends Yoruba mythology, Greek gods, and the raw energy of basketball to tell a story of gods, grief, and generational resilience. In this conversation, Inua shares his artistic journey, the intersections of poetry and playwriting, and the challenges of writing about complex themes like gender, violence, and cultural memory. From flaming basketballs to hip-hop’s influence on his storytelling, this episode explores how language, rhythm, and performance create a mythic world that speaks to today’s audiences. Guest: Inua Ellams Born in Nigeria and based in London, Inua Ellams is a poet, playwright, and performer whose work spans theatre, literature, and visual art. His plays include Barber Shop Chronicles, Three Sisters, and The Half-God of Rainfall. He is the founder of The Midnight Run and R.A.P Party and has received numerous honors, including an MBE for Services to the Arts. His work explores themes of identity, migration, and masculinity with a poetic and political lens. Resources & References from the Episode: 📖 Books & Plays by Inua Ellams: https://www.inuaellams.com/ * The Half-God of Rainfall  * Barber Shop Chronicles  * The Actual (Poetry Collection) 🎭 Influences & Themes Discussed: * Yoruba & Greek Mythology  * Basketball & Storytelling  * The Power of Hip-Hop & Poetry in Theater  https://www.allmusic.com/artist/tupac-shakur-mn0000740740 🎤 Other Works & Events by Inua Ellams: * The Midnight Run – A creative, city-based adventure [https://www.themidnightrun.com/]: https://www.themidnightrun.com/ * R.A.P Party – A poetry and hip-hop fusion [https://www.inuaellams.com/the-rap-party/]: https://www.inuaellams.com/the-rap-party/ 🎟️ The Half-God of Rainfall is playing at The Wilma Theater live in Philadelphia from February 11th – March 2nd, 2025, and streaming for a limited time in March. Visit WilmaTheater.org [https://www.wilmatheater.org/] for tickets and more information. 📱 Follow us on social media: @wilmatheater 🎭 The Tony Award-winning Wilma Theater joyfully produces the Wilma Theatercast [https://wilmatheater.org/blog/half-god-bonus-content/] as part of our Accessible Productions Initiative. This program brings community partners into the rehearsal process and invites them to respond creatively to the work. This program is made possible with support from the William Penn Foundation.