The Actors Theatre of Louisville has announced that its upcoming production of Dominique Morisseau’s Detroit ’67 has been canceled following the unexpected death of company member Owiso Odera November 3.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Owiso Odera on November 3rd. He was a cherished member of the cast of our upcoming production of Detroit ’67,” said Les Waters and Kevin E. Moore of Actors Theatre in a joint statement available online. “Owiso was an accomplished and talented actor with an impressive list of theatre, television and film credits. However, he was much more than just a colleague. Owiso was a dear friend to many, and will be immensely missed by the performing arts communities all across the country.”
Though the theatre does not outline the cause of his death, some online reports detail that he collapsed while performing. Mr. Odera’s stage credits include Signature Theatre’s staging of Our Lady of Kibeho by Katori Hall, a world-premiere production of Mat Smart’s Samuel J. and K. with Justin Long at Williamstown Theatre Festival, and Jay O. Sanders’ Unexplored Interior at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. His screen credits include The Originals, The Good Wife, and Madam Secretary.
Detroit ’67 was scheduled to play November 15-December 11 in the Bingham Theatre as part of the Brown-Forman Series.
