Goddess

Conceived by Saheem Ali
Music and Lyrics by Michael Thurber
Book by Jocelyn Bioh
Additional Material by Mkhululi Z. Mabija
Choreographed by Darrell Grand Moultrie
Directed by Saheem Ali
Originally Produced at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Berkeley, CA 
August 13 – September 25, 2022


Berkeley Rep presents the world premiere of an exuberant new musical by award-winning playwright Jocelyn Bioh (School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play) and composer Michael Thurber, conceived by director Saheem Ali. A young man returns home to Mombasa, Kenya to marry his fiancée and step into his family’s political dynasty. But when he visits Moto Moto—a steamy afro-jazz club and the stomping ground of his youth—he finds himself drawn to a mysterious new singer. Inspired by the myth of Marimba, who created beautiful songs from her heartbreak, Goddess is a joyful infusion of contemporary romance, ancient magic, and the irresistible vibes of African, jazz, and R&B music.

Artistic Statement: Goddess will assemble the extraordinary talents of director Saheem Ali, playwright Jocelyn Bioh, composer Michael Thurber, and choreographer Darrell Grand Moultrie. For Saheem, Jocelyn, and Michael, this musical has been a labor of love, years in the making, and Berkeley Rep is delighted to bring their expansive vision for the piece to the stage in its world premiere. With its lively characters, captivating songs and vibrant choreography, Goddess injects a bold, fresh, and much-needed voice into the repertoire of American musicals. - Johanna Pfaelzer, Artistic Director

Grant Statement: Berkeley Rep strives to provide visionary artists an extraordinary level of creative flexibility rarely possible in an institutional theatre setting. An ambitious new musical like Goddess requires more time and resources than a typical rehearsal process. With the challenges of the last two years requiring theatres to operate with leaner than usual resources and rehearsal periods, the extra rehearsal time afforded by the Edgerton Foundation’s support is especially vital to give our artists the space for discovery and growth that will set this thrilling world premiere up for success. - Susie Medak, Managing Director


Director: Saheem Ali
Choreographer: Darrell Grand Moultrie