August 11 – 28, 2022
By Antoinette Nwandu
Directed by Christopher burris^
“Blazingly theatrical and thrillingly tense.”
– The New York Times
“Surreal and morbidly funny. Nwandu’s theatrical idiom — the heartsick poetry of profanity applied to the raging anger of deep existential pain — is its own kind of beautiful. This playwright’s voice can be a joy to hear, and her language is often blistering.”
– Variety
This compelling new drama was a sensation on Broadway in 2021. In Pass Over, Moses and Kitch hang out on the corner – talking trash, passing the time, and hoping that maybe today will be different. As they dream of their promised land a stranger wanders into their space and derails their plans. Emotional and lyrical, Pass Over crafts everyday profanities into poetic and humorous riffs, exposing the unquestionable human spirit of young Black men looking for a way out. A provocative riff on Waiting for Godot and the Book of Exodus, Pass Over is a rare piece of politically charged theater by a bold new American voice.
Pass Over will feature Brandon Carter*, KP Powell*, and James Keegan*.
From Artistic Director Brandon Carter
What is so beautiful about this play is how it is in conversation with ASC’s mission and our love of language. Pass Over’s relationship with Samuel Beckett’s existential drama Waiting for Godot and the Exodus story from the Bible places this contemporary masterwork among classic texts, while Nwandu’s poetry and rich characters will give us a glimpse of the social and psychological effects of being Black in America.
Content Warning: Pass Over contains very strong, racially-loaded language, adult themes, and violence. Read about its recent Broadway production here.
Have questions about attending a show? Check our FAQ here.
updated 8.4.2022
Beginning with the opening of Pass Over on August 11, 2022 the ASC will no longer require proof of vaccination or universal masking. We strongly encourage patrons to mask when possible. ASC is monitoring local, state, and federal guidelines and will update this policy as necessary.
* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
^ The Director is a Member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union
“Pass Over” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
Artistic Team
THIS SEASON: Director – Pass Over
Costume Designer
THIS SEASON: Costume Designer for The Merry Wives of Windsor
THIS SEASON: Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager
THIS SEASON: Assistant Stage Manager – Pass Over
Thomas J. Coppola was part of the American Shakespeare Center from 2015 to 2025.
Alaina Smith is the Props Artisan at the American Shakespeare Center.
THIS SEASON: Composer, Music Director
Benjamin has been a resident company member with the American Shakespeare Center since 2014.
Doreen Bechtol is a seasoned movement consultant, actor, and educator with extensive experience in theatre, choreography, and original devised works.
Summer England is a gifted actor whose compelling and elegant performances light up the ASC stage and beyond.
Marie Lupia served at the American Shakespeare Center from 2022–2025.
Tori Wright is a skilled Costume Designer with a rich background in managing costumes for both classic & contemporary theatre.
Jess Snellings is is a versatile performer and theatre artist whose dynamic talent shines in productions at ASC and beyond.
Charlie Mooz is a dedicated Assistant Stage Manager and actor with experience in both classic and contemporary theatre.
THIS SEASON: Props Artisan
PREVIOUSLY WITH ASC: Props Artisan
Cast
Brandon Carter was the Artistic Director of the American Shakespeare Center from January 2022-March 2024.
K.P. Powell is an actor and director with the American Shakespeare Center, known for his dynamic performances and bold storytelling on stage and off.
THIS SEASON: Antonio in The Tempest; Cleon, Simonides, Ensemble in Pericles; Prospero in Une Tempête
THIS SEASON: Composer, Music Director
Ronan Melomo is a versatile actor with a rich background in classical theatre, known for dynamic performances at the American Shakespeare Center.

















