Miami, FL—(January 6, 2024)—Maroon Isle Productions proudly presents Oskuneru, a groundbreaking theatrical production that highlights the journey of the Surinamese Maroons towards self-liberation. This highly anticipated debut will take place in February 2025 at the Art Lab, located at 300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL. Written and directed by Miami-born and Suriname-raised playwright Sefanja Richard Galon, this immersive cultural experience aims to bring the resilience and triumph of the Maroons to life on an international stage in honor of Black History Month. This production is the result of years of development dedicated to preserving and sharing the untold stories of the Maroons.
Oskuneru originated as a Zoom reading during the height of the pandemic in 2020, organized by the Black Student Union at New World School of the Arts. It has since evolved into a live college production in 2022, a theatrical workshop at Main Street Players, and a reading in City Theatre’s Homegrown series at the Adrienne Arsht Center in 2023. In 2025, it is ready to make its full-scale debut, embodying a rich history of resilience and cultural preservation.
“Our goal is to spotlight the history of the Surinamese Maroons on an international stage while fostering dialogue about shared Caribbean heritage and identity,” said Sefanja Richard Galon, the visionary behind Oskuneru. “This production is a tribute to the strength of our ancestors and an opportunity to connect audiences to a vital yet underrepresented part of Black history.”
“Oskuneru is more than a play; it’s a tribute to the indomitable spirit of the Maroons and their contributions to world history,” said Galon. “It’s an opportunity to honor their legacy while fostering a cultural exchange that unites our diverse communities.”
Highlights of Oskuneru
Cultural Authenticity:Featuring traditional African prints, colonial-era elements, and an original score that blends Afro-Caribbean and Surinamese music, composed by Music Director Mikhael Mendoza.
Workshops & Community Engagement
Collaborations with the New World School of the Arts and local organizations to offer educational workshops on the creative and historical aspects of the production.
An International Platform: In partnership with the Surinamese Consulate of Miami, Oskuneru aims to present Surinamese heritage to a global audience, fostering dialogue on shared Caribbean history.
A Celebration of Black History Month:
Positioned as a cultural centerpiece for Miami, this production underscores the city’s role as an international stage for stories of resilience and identity.
Event Details
Dates: February 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, & 15, 2025
Location: The Art Lab, 300 N.E. 2nd Ave., Miami, FL
Tickets: Ticketing Information
For more information, visit maroonisleproductions.com or follow Oskuneru on social media at @maroonisleproductions.
Oskuneru 2025 is supported by the Miami Downtown Development Authority, the IDEA Center at MDC, Live Arts Miami at MDC, Main Street Players, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor, and the Board of County Commissioners.
About the Director
Sefanja Richard Galon, a Miami native raised in Suriname, is a playwright, actor, and director dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices. With a background in theatrical arts and a passion for cultural storytelling, Galon’s work bridges history and contemporary issues, inviting audiences to reflect and connect.
About Maroon Isle Productions
Maroon Isle Productions is a dynamic theater and film production company based in Miami, Florida. It is dedicated to creating culturally significant and immersive productions. Founded with the mission of amplifying underrepresented voices, the company specializes in high-quality theatrical and multimedia projects that inspire, educate, and entertain. Maroon Isle Productions is committed to fostering a space where diverse stories can thrive, offering opportunities for marginalized artists and engaging audiences in meaningful conversations about identity, history, and resilience. With a focus on artistic excellence and innovation, the company brings untold narratives to the stage and screen, empowering communities and building cultural bridges.
