About Yusefny
Yusef works in the cross-hairs of advocacy & healing, internationally.
In France, his comedic allegory HOOKYJOOK evoked colonialism from the African immigrant perspective, earning the play a Williamstown Festival Award nomination from Lincoln Center Theatre. (2011)
Teaching at an NGO orphanage outside of Soweto, he mitigated the students’ internalized stigmas by facilitating ‘I Am Poems,’ which allowed the students to see themselves as the ‘survivors’ they were (2015).
His lifestyle integrates art-making, wellness, and advocacy practices.
To cope with Ahmaud Arbery's murder, Yusef finished his run. #runwithmaud documents his marathon training as it continues with friend & coach, Terri Dowie.
(2020-present)
Indebted to his freelance career of leading residencies that help affirm experiences while fostering restorative lessons, Yusef curates 'TAKIN' UP SPACE, a lab for incubating new work among artist workers. (2023)
My Latest Projects
Guest Playwright
Montclair State University (2021)
Residency Description
BFA, Theatre Practicum and Performance
GOAL: To empower and inspire young artists of color to address race, gender, and the criminalization of Black people.
OBJECTIVE: To amplify Greek tragedy through the inclusion of non-traditional voices. (TASHA is inspired by Sophocles' ANTIGONE but is set in a modern republic.)
Bring 'TASHA to your campus
Read Synopsis
Watch MSU Excerpt
Play & Curriculum are available upon request.
Company Member
Soul Rep Theatre Company (2021)
Project Description
Written by Artistic Director Guinea Bennett-Price, ZANZI STAR is the story of ‘Black girl magic and female empowerment.’ It premieres as a short recorded-performance for a virtual audience. The critic describes Yusef's narration as adding “a magical quality to the themes of ancestors and origin, miracles, and mysticism.”
Upcoming
In Soul Rep’s 2024 season, Yusef will curate an immersive theatre performance of ZANZI STAR.
Bring ZANZI STAR to your campus