https://natashahakata.com/home daily 1.0 2025-06-14 https://natashahakata.com/productionstills daily 0.75 2024-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1582166271212-HTS7DW8RRM1XAJZQBNR7/image-asset.jpeg production stills POWER TO THE PEOPLE by Alicia Haymer // photo: Walls Trimble https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1582166473090-HWZUUMKWRZKIHC79WG1C/ru14.jpg production stills RUINED by Lynn Nottage // photo: Joe Pacifico https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/93a0182d-d395-4e7a-8a33-f4f1a715d51d/Screenshot_20230530_141219_Instagram.jpg production stills - Make it stand out “COME OVER AND SAY NOTHING” by Kendra Augustin // DP Lisa Cheong https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1582164343811-2KPCBQ9W1B9YJ60VO0K9/ru3.jpg production stills RUINED by Lynn Nottage // photo: Joe Pacifico https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1582861041761-1T49IF820210FCX5J4KE/jump17.jpg production stills JUMP by Charly Evon Simpson // photo: Michael Dekker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1582166505630-S791S31UWUZC6WAY368K/se8.jpg production stills THE YEAR OF THE SOLAR ECLIPSE by Aileen Kyoko // photo: Ed Haugh Photo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/63bb5630-d578-43da-b265-36cf8f412908/Screenshot_20230530_141226_Instagram.jpg production stills - Make it stand out “COME OVER AND SAY NOTHING” by Kendra Augustin // DP Lisa Cheong https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1582165277618-E6J9J3FY9RAWNBJS320D/gm4.jpg production stills GOSPEL OF THE MARYS by Molly Houlahan // photo: Peter Charney https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/22942e3e-3250-458b-b5ef-dc709521cf82/IMG_2772.jpg production stills - Make it stand out DEATH IN THE FAMILY by Kendra Augustin // photo: Romie DeCosta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1582166381090-A080VMFZ0YQJYN1N96RM/mw38.jpeg production stills DEATH OF THE LAST BLACK MAN…by Suzan-Lori Parks // photo: Rob Strong https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/85b5240f-705c-4507-853c-10f1a162e94a/CS7A9927.jpg production stills - Make it stand out MAIDEN VOYAGE by Cayenne Douglass // photo: Bronwen Sharp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1582860846711-6UBBJ1TBNTXRO8XXB5DQ/jump12.jpg production stills JUMP by Charly Evon Simpson // photo: Michael Dekker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1582166120400-WYDBB58SCV0Y15FEHE7R/ru4.jpg production stills RUINED by Lynn Nottage // photo: Joe Pacifico https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1582166043674-H2ZLL2WQSG8Q65NU2GAG/mw31.jpeg production stills DEATH OF THE LAST BLACK MAN…by Suzan-Lori Parks // photo: Rob Strong https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1582164895541-5IPM050XWA3IGHN4ZOJ3/leela8.jpg production stills DON’T WANT YOUR FUTURE TO MELT (Leela Festival) // photo: Victoria Jackson Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/48f9b81a-5be6-45b4-8420-6991e0aebf2d/52945218019_3e5250543b_o.jpg production stills - Make it stand out DISGRACED by Ayad Akhtar // photo: Chaz Dykes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1582165115527-F5WSTAC3M07VEEOW7ZLH/se3.jpg production stills THE YEAR OF THE SOLAR ECLIPSE by Aileen Kyoko // photo: Ed Haugh Photo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1582164800674-BH22FKSVYXIW9IN7I6NW/ru8.jpg production stills RUINED by Lynn Nottage // photo: Joe Pacifico https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1582166188101-HPHQKBPB29EBR4T64MN2/lou7.jpeg production stills LOU by Haley Rice // photo: Jody Christopherson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1582164032878-0WHX3PTTHWTHDXH3NE29/mw14.jpeg production stills DEATH OF THE LAST BLACK MAN…by Suzan-Lori Parks // photo: Rob Strong https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1582165853623-EK0C8GNZ9Z154NCRJ4E7/lou12.jpeg production stills LOU by Haley Rice // photo: Jody Christopherson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1582861107057-DDAHJR19EIIZ9L9ZXAC4/jump10.jpg production stills JUMP by Charly Evon Simpson // photo: Michael Dekker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1582165688417-LDT47BSPW07B2E926K3F/mw6.jpeg production stills DEATH OF THE LAST BLACK MAN…by Suzan-Lori Parks // photo: Rob Strong https://natashahakata.com/contact daily 0.75 2023-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1580517971148-6HRQLS8YG36XFI31Q2C7/hs7.jpg contact - Get in touch. photo: Victor Guerrero Photography https://natashahakata.com/projectsnews daily 0.75 2025-06-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1632867944935-R0U6JC2NKWZ0MA5WZS8G/1080x1080%2B%25281%2529.jpg projects/news - In some dystopian future, all homosexual people have been shipped off into space. From his hermetically sealed pod, the Boy looks down on a ruined, devastated Earth. He asks his last favour: a cassette tape containing messages from various people and influences he has known in his life. Directed by Keenan Tyler Oliphant, Columbia University MFA Directing Thesis. LIVESTREAM performances tickets and info HERE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1603340748485-JLU6LA54TR7QW4XOO17E/AAfinal.jpg projects/news - Crumbling infrastructure, poison water, distant gunfire, political ads. What does the future hold, and who will be there to shape it? From award-winning Austin, Texas-based playwright Cyndi Williams comes a timely epic of survival and the fight for a better tomorrow. Directed by Dev Bondarin and Jeff Griffin. October 22nd & 23rd. Tickets and info HERE. [Broadway World Press] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/3c697372-8288-44f3-9b89-f77775b5617b/image000001+%281%29.jpg projects/news - Set in 1859, the story follows an African American Madam in New York City who risks her life and livelihood to protect a wanted woman, throwing her entire world into chaos. The historical context is critical as it explores themes of resilience, identity, and sacrifice against a backdrop of an era often romanticized but rarely seen from our community's perspective. Written & Directed by Frank Dunham Jr. Co-Directed by Candace Sala Hewitt February 12th-16th @ Theater Row Tickets and info HERE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/800d13c7-20ae-4ccc-9d36-9de969bc9bc8/disgraced.jpg projects/news - This Pulitzer Prize winning play tells the story of Amir Kapoor, a successful Pakistani-American lawyer who is rapidly moving up the corporate ladder while distancing himself from his cultural roots. Emily, his wife, is white; she’s an artist, and her work is influenced by Islamic imagery. When the couple hosts a dinner party, what starts out as a friendly conversation escalates into something far more revealing that changes their lives forever. Presented by American Stage Theatre Directed by Sharifa Yasmin May 31st through June 25th. More info and tickets HERE. Sneak peek at First Rehearsals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/c34735d0-049c-4c72-b754-39b219f801d3/MV+Art.jpg projects/news - Maiden Voyage charts the first all-female patrol aboard a US submarine. We are spectators in these women’s lives, as mechanics and interpersonal relationships go awry. Motivated by a subconscious need to overcompensate for gender inequity, The Captain slowly chips away at her integrity in order to have a successful mission. This play explores the intersection between opportunity and marginalization and the mimicry of toxic masculinity to get ahead. Written by Cayenne Douglass Directed by Alex Keegan March 2nd - 17th @ The Flea Theater Tickets and info HERE. [BroadwayWorld Press] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1580527273420-O4VXMQFEMTJ1ICBY0DD4/sf2.png projects/news - THE 44TH SAMUEL FRENCH OFF OFF BROADWAY SHORT PLAY FESTIVAL GROUND CHUCK by Benjamin Carr, directed by Diane Chen @ the Vineyard's Dimson 15th St Theater. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1580527716215-XJP7JWX4ERQXKROSDBMA/gospel1.jpg projects/news - “The piece draws on centuries of religious history, daring to explore Mary as a young woman faced with an impossible situation-not the gilded, pale mother who has been venerated throughout time. This play is an exploration of the real people behind the story; the people lost to time and to translation.” - Molly Houlahan, director An original play written and directed by Molly Houlahan (Hypokrit Theatre Company) will debut as a workshop production at the Furnace Festival @ the Center at West Park. [BroadwayWorld Press] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1580794284354-1GPCU861EJ1WSPTZ53V0/texpats.jpg projects/news - Texas expat singers and musicians in NYC cover songs exclusively written or performed by Texas-born/raised artists. A night of music and stories with 100% going to Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas! Organized by artist/performer Joshua Doss, @ The Romulus Linney Courtyard Theatre at Signature Theatre. [BroadwayWorld Press] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/cbb06caa-cb2c-4e51-a913-0b133060615f/20250602_231522.jpg projects/news - Set in 1987 Uganda, Tomorrow Never Came follows Lawrence Muhumuza, a war hero struggling with the personal cost of the liberation he fought for. Torn between duty, desire, and the life he is expected to lead, Lawrence is caught in a web of political tension, secrecy, and forbidden love. As he prepares to leave his wife, Rhoda, for his lover, Sam, the weight of his choices collides with a nation still healing from war and betrayal. In a world where survival often means silence, Lawrence must confront the impossible question—can one truly be free if they are forced to live a lie? Through a gripping and emotionally charged narrative, Tomorrow Never Came explores themes of love, power, and the sacrifices made in the name of liberation. Written by by Jedidiah Mugarura Directed by Ogemdi Ude June 11th, 17th, 19th, 21st, and 22nd @ HERE Arts Center Tickets and info HERE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1634258200516-C5BUM18B8RYZKEQ9QWNK/FB+cover+photo.png projects/news - A series of five darkly (comedic) whimsical two-hander vignettes about the effects of death, grief, and trauma: whether it’s two preteens pondering the ramifications of being born, brothers who wonder if anyone else is as lonely, if and when revenge is justified, what happens to the people left behind after violence, or how older and younger siblings experience parents in different ways, Death in the Family let’s us in on the conversations we may never get to have. A Dixon Place and In Full Color collaboration, directed by Benjamin Abraham. More info HERE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1580528304005-XHS1QETCVTUENC2ONVBK/womanman.jpg projects/news - THE WOMAN / THE MAN is a theatrical double-feature comprised of two Obie-winning plays: Adrienne Kennedy’s Funnyhouse of a Negro and Suzan-Lori Parks’ The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World AKA the Negro Book of the Dead. In this production, Natasha plays the role of Black Woman with Fried Drumstick. This double feature Directing Thesis is headed by director and Emmy-nominated choreographer, Jeffrey Page, @ the Lenfest Center of Columbia University. [BroadwayWorld Press] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1580794777433-UQ0KMQNVSI4F2P5X29GI/Lou.jpg projects/news - The story of Lou Salome, one of the first female psychoanalysts, an accomplished writer, poet, novelist and scholar of the psychology of female sexuality. Which follows her relationships with other great thinkers of the day, including Nietzsche, Rilke, and Sigmund Freud, and her search for identity and fight to claim her place in a world dominated by men. An all female cast comes together to reclaim her story, portraying these men through the mind and memory of the great Lou Salome. A Theatre 4the People production of Haley Rice's LOU, directed by Kate Moore Heaney, @ The Paradise Factory. [BroadwayWorld Press and PhotoFlash] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1580794926358-DCHD9375UUKQKWUAIAX3/ruined.jpg projects/news - Men wage war and women suffer. That is the principal message director Ted Thompson found in Lynn Nottage’s first Pulitzer Prize winning play RUINED, @ The Heights Players. “As Sophie, Natasha Hakata conveys a deep pain filled with a beautiful light deep inside that won’t die. Even in her state of suffering, her eyes are hypnotic and brighten when she sings. As Sophie, she demonstrates an inner will to survive that is beautifully engaging.” – Local Theatre NY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1580794134503-5LYSWPG9JYJJ7RUWA7CL/solar.jpg projects/news - Three friends gather to watch the solar eclipse and have no idea how their own lives are about to enter cycles of light and dark - a year of love lost, love found, and self-discovery. A dramedy about the bright and darker sides of relationships and all the brilliant shades in between. Written and directed by Aileen Kyoko, as part of the 10th anniversary season of Planet Connections Theatre Festivity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1580525808891-936QI0M9OIWCU5VLHI1Q/jump.jpg projects/news - Flickering lights, a family’s grief, and two strangers on a bridge. In this tightly woven story, a pair of sisters and their father grapple with loss while an unexpected friendship blooms between two people who realize they have more in common than they thought. Paula Vogel Prize Winner Charly Evon Simpson's bold new play makes its New York premiere and shines light on how we process traumatic experiences to ultimately find peace. Directed by Hypokrit Theater Company Artistic Director Arpita Mukherjee. [BroadwayWorld Press and PhotoFlash] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1580796147879-DB52EQSZN2FWKJSA3GEU/then.jpg projects/news - What if you took all the things that could have happened, and turned them round and round like a kaleidoscope, tethering unremarkable moments and half-memories into whole new narratives? This is the world of Then, Of Course, All The Things Happened. One play, countless variations. A workshop production of a new play by Max Reuben and directed by Shaun Peknic, as part of the Frigid Festival @ the Kraine Theater. https://natashahakata.com/about daily 0.75 2024-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1615064110797-MCMBO159YW5MOD7IUOZ6/nh11.jpg about Natasha Hakata is a Zimbabwean-American Texan based in New York City. She connects with stories that explore and nourish the roots of our humanity, to make the world a smaller place. Natasha has been seen in the NYC premiere of Charly Evon Simpson’s play JUMP (Astoria Performing Arts Center), recently seen as Jory in DISGRACED (American Stage), and her other NYC credits include: Black Woman with Fried Drumstick in DEATH OF THE LAST BLACK MAN IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD (The Lenfest Center); Sophie in RUINED (The Heights Players); Sigmund Freud in LOU (Theatre 4the People); GROUND CHUCK (Samuel French Off Off Broadway Short Play Festival); and the short film COME OVER AND SAY NOTHING, and in the second season of the webseries WORMHOLES. She has trained at the Atlantic Acting School, and also holds a B.S. in Psychology (University of Texas at Austin), and an M.S. in Occupational Therapy (New York University). See what’s next. https://natashahakata.com/photos-1 daily 0.75 2023-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/9aff4589-9e1d-4f8b-8414-8da50d1c3b5f/nh3.jpg headshots https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1580596426374-75A7GU9XGO64QA9PFB52/hs8.jpg headshots photo by Victor Guerrero Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/724e8b3d-5614-4e2f-9a94-926452e3e7cf/NatashaHakataHS.jpg headshots https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/0b1761b4-a0d3-4c3a-8868-2e344953e0e4/nh2.jpg headshots https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1580520258668-HNUXBSEPEJY3HX6LU9ET/HS3.JPG headshots photo by Toma Morris https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1580596453741-9Y3LWYFSZK1WWQCAIJ0H/hs6.jpg headshots photo by Victor Guerrero Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1593983225628-J6XSOR0WKJX1CQ6AKHNU/20200629_003617.jpg headshots https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e30da2453fae23357cf9dcc/1580596443550-MEXOATK1QGEUTZSLUSPW/hs10.jpg headshots