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New York Premiere

Goddess

Venue Newman Theater

Runtime 2 hours and 20 minutes, including one 15 min intermission

Music and Lyrics by Michael Thurber 
Book by Saheem Ali  
Additional Book Material by James Ijames 
Choreography by Darrell Grand Moultrie 
Directed by Saheem Ali

GODDESS comes to The Public for its New York premiere featuring music and lyrics by Michael Thurber, book and direction by Associate Artistic Director/Resident Director Saheem Ali, additional book material by James Ijames, and choreography by Darrell Grand Moultrie. A mysterious singer arrives at Moto Moto, a steamy Afro-jazz club in Mombasa, Kenya. She casts an entrancing spell on everyone, including a young man who has returned home from studying in America. Will the big plans for his life—stepping into a political legacy and marrying his fiancée—be upended? Inspired by the myth of Marimba, the Goddess who created beautiful songs from her heartbreak, this new musical is a rousing tale of romance, the supernatural, and the quest towards one’s truest self. 

This production closed on June 15, 2025.

Content and Production Effect Warning

GODDESS contains strobing, fog, and haze. Contact [email protected] or 212.967.7555 if you have questions.

Cast
Creative

MEDIA

Rehearsal Photos

Production Photos

DIVE DEEPER

Access the Playbill here.

Dance and groove the night away! Moto Moto Presents: Nights in Mombasa EP is available to stream now. Get a taste of what you'll hear on stage in GODDESS.

During your visit, check out Making Mombasa: Dramaturgical Insights into the World of Goddess, the new exhibit in on the Mezzanine of The Public. It offers information about Mombasa, where GODDESS is set. Dive deeper into theatrical techniques and African symbols that informed the making of the story, as well as the theatrical design. Curated by co-dramaturg and cultural consultant Karishma Bhagani.