Theater: “The Half-God of Rainfall” @ New York Theatre Workshop

As the incubator for plays like “Hadestown” and “Rent”, New York Theater Workshop never plays it safe. Seriously, where else could you see a play that combines Greek mythology, Nigerian storytelling, and the Golden State Warriors?

Innua Ellums’ “The Half-God of Rainfall” does exactly that, with a cast that includes Zeus (Michael Lawrence), his wife Hera (Kelley Curran) and Demi—short for “demi-god”—(Mister Fitzgerald). Demi is the bastard child of Modupe (Jennifer Mogbock) and Zeus, who in this production is portrayed as a bigger serial abuser than Harvey Weinstein.

Demi defies the Greek gods’ proscription against deities of any sort (including half-deities, which he is) from participating in earthly sports like basketball. This becomes problematic, as Demi grows up to become an NBA point guard whose godlike three-pointers lead Golden State to a championship in 2009.

“The Half-God of Rainfall” boasts fantastic stagecraft, a battle scene that is one for the ages, and multinational cast that switches between roles at the speed of a lightning bolt. Get down to NYTW before it vanishes into Mount Olympus, by Zeus!

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