Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o has announced an exciting new venture in the world of theatre, where she will star alongside her younger brother, Junior Nyong’o, in a production of Twelfth Night. The show is set to run from August 7, 2025, to September 24, 2025, as part of the renowned Free Shakespeare in the Park series in New York City.
Lupita shared her excitement about the upcoming production on her Instagram, revealing that she and Junior will play the iconic twin roles of Viola and Sebastian. “I am thrilled to reveal some midsummer madness to look forward to; my brother and I will take the stage as twins in ‘Twelfth Night’. Meet Viola and Sebastian. I can genuinely say that we have been preparing for these roles all our lives,” Lupita wrote. The announcement has sent fans buzzing with anticipation, as this will be a memorable family collaboration on a grand stage.
Junior Nyong’o’s Theatre Background
Junior Nyong’o, a recent graduate of the University of California with a master’s degree in fine arts, is no stranger to the theatre scene. He has performed in several notable theatre productions, including Hamlet, and starred in the film A Blossom in the Night. Junior is also a talented DJ, musician, and voice artist, with a growing reputation in the arts world.
The Free Shakespeare in the Park Series
Twelfth Night will be featured as part of the Free Shakespeare in the Park series, a beloved tradition in New York City. The series, which began in 1954, offers free performances of Shakespeare’s plays at the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park, making classic theatre accessible to everyone. The performances bring together top actors, and with Lupita Nyong’o in the lead, this year’s production is expected to be particularly spectacular.
A Star-Studded Cast
Alongside Lupita and Junior, the show will feature an impressive lineup of actors, including Bill Camp, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Khris Davis, Moses Sumney, Peter Dinklage, and Sandra Oh. The collaboration of such celebrated artists promises to bring a fresh, dynamic interpretation of Shakespeare’s timeless comedy to the stage.
Lupita Nyong’o’s Stellar Career
Lupita Nyong’o’s career has been marked by significant achievements, most notably winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 12 Years a Slave. She became the first Kenyan actress to win the prestigious award. Lupita has also earned recognition for her role in Black Panther and continues to be a trailblazer in both Hollywood and international cinema.
Her upcoming role in Twelfth Night marks another exciting chapter in her illustrious career, further cementing her versatility as an actress.
Looking Ahead
Lupita and Junior’s joint performance in Twelfth Night is one of the most anticipated events in the upcoming theatre season. The siblings’ shared love for the arts, combined with their individual talents, promises to create an unforgettable experience for audiences in New York City. The show is not just a testament to their remarkable acting skills but also to their bond as siblings, who have prepared for these roles together.
Fans of Lupita and Junior Nyong’o will no doubt be eagerly awaiting this production, and it is sure to be a highlight of the theatre calendar for 2025.
