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Defacing Michael Jackson

Defacing Michael Jackson

A World Premiere Play and coming-of-age tale filled with comedy and epic music written by Miami-native and Award-winning Playwright Aurin Squire and Directed by Shaun Patrick Tubbs.

MAR 9 - APR 2, 2023

Thriller, the Pepsi fire, drug wars, and a white family moving into a Black neighborhood:

It’s 1984 and we are in Miami Dade County’s Opa-Locka and life is about to get a whole lot more confusing for a group of kids who want to be the ‘King of Pop.’ Defacing Michael Jackson is about growing up, hero worship, and how we see ourselves.

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Defacing Michael Jackson will be our fourth world premiere with Aurin Squire. He is not only a Miami native who is an extremely sought after screenwriter and playwright, he is a flagship for Miami New Drama and an essential part of our DNA. This play is all about Miami in Aurin’s native Opa Locka and blends a coming of age story and sexual discovery with a backdrop of social and racial unrest. It is deeply moving, spectacular with masterful storytelling. We are extremely proud to be doing the world premiere of this play and continue our commitment to Aurin as an artist.

CONTENT ADVISORY:
This production contains sexual content, scenes depicting physical violence, strong language, and gunshot sound effects. Recommended Ages: 16+
Defacing Michael Jackson

Critical Acclaim:

Christine Dolen, Artburst Miami/Miami Herald

“performances full of boldness, subtlety, fearlessness and abundant energy.”

Bill Hirschman, Florida Theater on Stage

“the headline here is Squire’s powerful script.”

J.J. Colagrande, Jitney Books

“a powerful and poignant exploration of sexuality, race relations, hero worship and gentrification.”

Christine Dolen, Artburst Miami/Miami Herald

“strong, compelling performances”

J.J. Colagrande, Jitney Books

“and once again, when it comes to Miami New Drama, it’s a job well done.”

J.J. Colagrande, Jitney Books

“The acting, all around, is also stellar.”

Bill Hirschman, Florida Theater On Stage

“theatrical fusion of time and space, sex and adolescence, tragedy and humor, racial animus and social changes”