Acting alumna Jeena Yi ’14 stars in a new play, The Beastiary, from On the Rocks Theatre Co. (OTR), company-in-residence at Ars Nova.
The project, described as “a twisted comedic puppet pageant” by Ars Nova, is a playful combination of modern sensibilities and medieval legend, with a plot promising “the end of humankind.”
The Beastiary is the latest brainchild of OTR creators Christopher Ford and Dakota Rose, who serve multiple roles on the production, with both writing and Rose directing.
“It’s been such a joy working with On The Rocks. Dakota and Chris have such a unique artistic style,” said Yi. “It’s amazing how they are able to weave the absurd with the everyday and still move you to tears!”
Yi’s range will also be on full display, as she balances roles including The King’s Brother’s Wife, a Milkmaid, a Nun, and of course, a Demon.
Yi’s work on the show joins a resume that already includes HBO’s Succession, Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building, and last year’s Oscar-nominated NYAD for Netflix. Her talents also extend behind the scenes. In August, she workshopped her original play, Jesa, with Ma-Yi Theater in New York City.
The workshopping process is one Yi is quick to champion. “Say yes to workshops when you can,” said Yi, when asked how current students might emulate her success. “Many of my favorite jobs started with a small workshop or in someone's living room reading their play for the first time.”
It was this same process that led Yi to The Beastiary. “I first got involved in an early workshop and fortunately for me, Chris and Dakota kept asking me back!”
The Beastiary runs from October 7 through November 9 at Greenwich House. Tickets are available here.
