ECNETNews, New York, NY, September 13, 2024: Jamaican actress Miranda Melhado is set to star in the acclaimed drama Not About Eve by Karl O’Brian Williams, featured as a staged reading at the Atlantic Theater Company’s Caribbean MixFest.
This exciting event runs from September 14th to 20th at The Atlantic Stage 2 Theater in New York City, with Not About Eve scheduled for a one-night-only performance on Wednesday, September 18th, at 7 p.m.
Melhado joins an impressive all-female cast, including Jamaican talents Heather Alicia Simms, recognized for her role in Broadway’s Purlie Victorious, and Mitzi Pratt, known from Amazon Prime’s Nanny. The production is directed by the renowned Patrice Johnson Chevannes, a Jamaican-born filmmaker and actress whose work includes Broadway’s The Crucible and productions at the Shakespeare Theater of DC.
Set against the backdrop of contemporary Jamaica, Not About Eve explores the complexities within the Shields family across three generations. The play reveals tensions among Mama Agatha Rochester (Pratt), her daughter Katherine (Simms), and granddaughter Kimberly (Melhado), culminating in a poignant examination of their fractured relationships during the anniversary of Katherine’s husband’s death.
Premiering in Kingston, Jamaica in 2006, Not About Eve received the 2007 International Theatre Institute Actor Boy Award for Best New Jamaican Play and made its New York debut in 2012, later showcasing at the 2013 National Black Theatre Festival.
For Melhado, portraying Kimberly Shields represents a significant chapter in her career. She recently appeared in the American premiere of Alwin Bully’s McBee and in the horror film Amityville Vampire, available for streaming. Her upcoming projects include the TV pilot From Yard, debuting at the Nollywood Film Festival in Toronto, and David Heron’s Against His Will at The Apollo.
“I am excited to be part of such a talented ensemble and to collaborate with director Patrice Johnson Chevannes,” Melhado stated. “The character of Kimberly is strong and complex, providing a rich opportunity to connect with audiences on September 18.”
Although born to Syrian and Portuguese parents, Melhado was raised in Jamaica and holds a BA in acting from the University of Southern California. Interestingly, her role in Not About Eve marks only her second performance as a Jamaican character, the first being in Against His Will.
“Often, I’m misidentified culturally, so I seize every chance to portray Jamaican characters,” she shared. “Portraying Kimberly allows me to honor my roots and contribute to the storytelling tradition.”
The Atlantic Theater Company, established in 1985, has a rich history with over 200 productions, including Tony Award-winning titles such as Spring Awakening and The Band’s Visit. The Caribbean MixFest emphasizes diverse theatrical voices and is free to the public, but reservations are necessary.
Tickets for Not About Eve are available at AtlanticTheater.org.
