November 28 - December 20, 2015
THEATRE EXILE / STUDIO X
When American student Kate stumbles into an underground circle of queers in Sénégal, her semester abroad transforms into an intimate tour of Dakar's hidden gay nightlife. What Kate learns from Aicha, Néné, and their friends could get her into grad school. That is, if she can convince them to consent to being studied.
A Knee That Can Bend explodes into the ethical sand-traps of searching for people like you in a country that doesn’t believe you exist.
Nominated for SEVEN 2016 Barrymore Awards including Outstanding New Play ➝
THE CAST
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Jennifer Kidwell
Aicha
Danielle Leneé
Female Chorus
Candace Moore
Néné
Anna Zaida Szapiro
Kate
THE TEAM
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Mary Tuomanen
Assistant Director
Erin Washburn
Dramaturg
Jillian Keys
Costume Design
Nick Kourtides
Sound Design
Colin McIlvaine
Scenic Design
Sara Outing
Props Design
Maria Shaplin
Lighting Design
Elaina Di Monaco
Stage Manager
Lauren Tracy
Production Manager
Rajiv Shah
Technical Director
BIG THANKS
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The Charlotte Cushman Foundation
PECO
The Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
The Wyncote Foundation
Images by Plate 3 Photography
Opening Night Sponsor Devil's Den
show info
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Run Time 90 minutes
We rate this show PG-13.
It depicts themes and situations that may inspire conversation about sex, sexuality, and religion.
Praise for A Knee That Can Bend
PHILADELPHIA MAGAZINE
One of the best productions in the region.
"There are few works currently playing in Philadelphia that are as thought-provoking and engaging as the premiere of Emma Goidel’s A Knee That Can Bend. . . . [It is] deeply moving, emotionally gripping, and beautifully performed. In short, I’d argue it’s one of the best productions currently playing in the region. . . . A must-see."
BROAD STREET REVIEW
A must-see.
"Understated, intense, and passionate... Even with all the great theater happening in Philadelphia right now, it’s a must-see. ... A production that’s simply lovely."
PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
A powerful new work.
"[A] thoughtful, mature and intellectually provocative work.
[Goidel's] insights only add to the play’s depth. To acknowledge real differences between individuals, communities, cultures, to do so while fostering rather than negating dialogue even when the other side seems unfathomable is both at odds with American diplomacy and social-justice-warrioring, while holding an open-ended promise long after the play concludes.
This powerful new work similarly reveals Goidel’s own promise... She will be a bright voice, waiting to speak out, forth and for those communities her work will embody, clarify, and serve."