NEWS | FEATURES | PREVIEWS | EVENTS

originally published: 04/13/2022

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- The Arden Theatre Company is preparing for the regional premiere of Jocelyn Bioh’s School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, a buoyant and biting comedy that explores the universal similarities (and glaring differences) facing teenage girls across the globe.   Directed by Amina Robinson (the Arden’s 74 Seconds…To Judgment.), the play will run at the Arden’s Arcadia Stage from May 5 through June 5, 2022.

 "School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play is a story of finding one's self-worth and intrinsic value in a world where the color of one's skin and its proximity to whiteness is used as currency,” said Director Amina Robinson “It is at once hilariously funny, and then painfully revelatory. For me personally, it shines a light on the far reaching nature of Euro-centered ideology. Jocelyn Bioh tackles the subject matter with a deft comedic hand, loaded with heart. I am excited to share this story with Philadelphia audiences."

Set in Ghana in 1968, Paulina is the reigning queen bee at the country’s most exclusive boarding school, and has her sights set on the Miss Global Universe pageant. But the arrival of Ericka, a new student with undeniable talent and beauty, captures the attention of the pageant recruiter—and Paulina’s hive-minded friends. Tensions run high in Bioh’s “gleeful African makeover of an American genre” (New York Times), a “ferociously entertaining morality tale that proves as heartwarming as it is hilarious” (Hollywood Reporter).

The Arden production features Morgan Charece Hall as Paulina Sarpong, Cheyenne Parks as Ericka Boafo, Imani Moss as Ama, Arielle Faye Telemaco-Beane as Nana, Jessica Money as Mercy, Adaeze Nwoko as Gifty, Ontaria Kim Wilson as Headmistress Francis, and Danielle Lenee as Eloise Amponsah.

Tickets for School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play are now available for purchase online at ardentheatre.org.  

 

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The Arden wants to ensure that the health and safety of our audiences, artists, and staff is paramount.

* All patrons who visit Arden Theatre Company and / or attend performances must be fully vaccinated by the date of their visit. Patrons can show either paper or electronic documentation (including photo of vaccination card) paired with a valid government-issued photo ID.

* For patrons who are unable to be vaccinated, they will be required to provide proof of ONE of the following instead of evidence of vaccination:

* Negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test taken within 6 hours of the performance start time.  The test results must clearly show the date and time of the test. At home tests will not be accepted.

* Negative COVID-19 PCR test performed by a medical provider within 72 hours of the performance start time.  The test results must clearly show the date and time of the test.

* While in our buildings, The Arden will require audience members and staff to wear masks that cover the nose and mouth, including while seated watching performances.

* The 2022 Season has been scheduled so that for most weeks, only one performance is running at a time. This will allow for less congestion and more space in the Lobby preshow and at intermission.

* If guests are feeling sick, please stay home. The Arden staff and artists are expected to do the same.

The Arden Theatre Company is located at 40 N. 2nd Street in Philadelphia, PA. The company was founded in 1988 by Terrence J. Nolen, Amy Murphy, and Aaron Posner. The company began producing at the 70-seat Walnut Street Theatre Studio, and was immediately hailed as a welcome addition to the Philadelphia theatre community.  After their second season, they co-founded the St. Stephen’s Performing Arts Center, which held a larger theatre and a unified location for classes, education programs, administrative offices, and production shops.