Review: "The Transfiguration of Benjamin Banneker" Is Out of This World

The Transfiguration of Benjamin Banneker Conceived, designed, and directed by Theodora Skipitares Presented by La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in association with Skysaver Productions at the Ellen Stewart Theatre 66 E 4th St., Manhattan, NYC January 23-February 2, 2020 Giant Banneker head by Theodora Skipitares. Photo by Theo Cote. There are not many shows in which the audience is played into the theater by a drum corps, but then again, there aren't many people like the subject of the play The Transfiguration of Benjamin Banneker . Benjamin Banneker, who lived from 1731 to 1806 in Maryland, was a Black astronomer, mathematician, and writer who, among other accomplishments, developed the idea that distant stars signified other solar systems. Created and directed by Theodora Skipitares, The Transfiguration invigoratingly employs an array of storytelling techniques, including narrative, music, dance, and puppetry, to bring much deserved attention to Banneker's l...