they do not know harlem
written and choreographed by Tristan André Parks
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"Those of us who study Baldwin, recognize his cadence of speech and languid movements as uniquely Black, Queer, and effortlessly elegant. André embodies the author with careful intention, calling our collective ancestor into the room, present as he has ever been. André conjures Baldwin and holds court. Both as himself, and The Elder, André addresses us with mirth, vulnerability and a piercing wit. It was clear that André had studied, sat with and properly venerated his forefather. " - Serayah Silver, Staff writer for Chatham Life & Style ​
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"Innovative, thoughtful, and worthy of being viewed multiple times, They Do Not Know Harlem is a heavy and engaging piece with just the right touches of humor and lightness sprinkled throughout. It will make you feel like you’ve gone to the most hard-hitting kind of church service and walked away with the best gift of all: a new sense of enlightenment." - Triangle Arts Review
Tristan André is a masterful storyteller and dancer with a highly developed kinesthetic awareness that he demonstrates throughout They Do Not Know Harlem. Directed by PlayMakers Repertory Company’s own Kathryn Hunter-Williams, They Do Not Know Harlem is creatively brilliant. This play should be at the NC Black Theatre Festival and then on to Broadway! - Phyllis Coley of Spectacular Magazine
choir boy
by Academy Award-winning writer of Moonlight Tarell Alvin McCraney
Philadelphia Theatre Company
Directed & Choreographed by Jeffrey L. Page
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"André is genuine and infinitely relatable as Bobby's reluctant sidekick Junior, who just wants to keep his head down and get his school work done."
Talkin Broadway
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photography by Christopher Nash
Tristan André Parks and the company of Choir Boy
the amen corner
by James Baldwin
Shakespeare Theatre Company
Directed by Whitney White
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"Sensational...Thrilling...with a choir of powerhouse singers."
The Washington Post
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photography by Scott Suchman
Cast of The Amen Corner
THEY DO NOT KNOW HARLEM: In Communion with James Baldwin
written and choreographed
by Tristan André Parks
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"Parks’s performance provides a rich history of Baldwin’s life, thoughts, loves, profound losses, and enduring impact on our present moment."
INDY WEEK Jameela F. Dallis
photography by Kathy Perkins
Tristan André Parks and the company of TDNKH
also pictured from L to R: Aarik Duncan (Percussion/Vocals), Lance Garrett (Alto/ Saxophone), and Brentton Harrison (Vocals)
LIFE OF GALILEO
by Bertolt Brecht
PlayMakers Repertory Company
Directed by Vivienne Benesch
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"An electrifying Tristan Parks, who plays multiple roles, nearly stops the show with his portrayal of the Ballad Singer in the second act."
Broadway World, Lauren Van Hemet
"Tristan Parks is a standout as the Ballad Singer."
Talkin' Broadway's Garrett Sutherland
photography by huthphoto
Tristan André Parks as The Ballad Singer
TWELFTH NIGHT
by William Shakespeare
PlayMakers Repertory Company
Directed by Jerry Ruiz
"The play’s oft-forgotten Antonio garners much attention via Tristan Parks’ Sammy Davis, Jr.-style characterization. It is one of this production’s most unexpected and captivating performances."
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Triangle Arts & Entertainment from Dustin K. Britt
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"Tristan Parks gamely renders Antonio, Sebastian’s rescuer, as a casino gangster out of a Rat Pack movie."
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Roy C. Dicks of News & Observers
photography by huthphoto
Tristan André Parks as Antonio
SHERWOOD: THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD
by Ken Ludwig
PlayMakers Repertory Company
Directed by Jessie Austrian
"Tristan Parks is also superbly fun to watch as the Sheriff of Nottingham. He even adds a touch of confliction
(and sass!) to the role, making the
character surprisingly likeable."
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Triangle Arts & Entertainment from Susie Potter
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