Entertainment10/13/2025NYT

A Tyrant for Our Times: Reviving José Limón’s ‘The Emperor Jones’

The article discusses the revival of José Limón's dance piece "The Emperor Jones," based on Eugene O'Neill's play of the same name. The work has been viewed as a problematic piece, but is now being updated to address the current sociopolitical climate. The article explores how the piece, which centers on a Black dictator's descent into madness, can be reinterpreted to reflect the challenges of modern-day authoritarianism and racial injustice. The revival aims to bring the work's themes of power, oppression, and the human condition to the forefront, making it more relevant for contemporary audiences. The article highlights the importance of revisiting and recontextualizing classic works to engage with pressing social issues. It suggests that the updated "The Emperor Jones" can serve as a powerful commentary on the rise of tyrants and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in the world.

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