Lupita Nyong’o and Brother Junior Nyong’o To Appear On A New York Show As Twins

New York’s beloved Shakespeare in the Park is set to become a family affair this year, as Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o will star alongside her younger brother, Junior Nyong’o, in the upcoming production of Twelfth Night.

The Public Theater announced the star-studded cast on Thursday, revealing that the siblings will play twins Viola and Sebastian in Saheem Ali’s revival of Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy.

This marks the first time Lupita and Junior will share the stage together, adding a personal touch to the highly anticipated production. Lupita, who was announced last July as the lead for this year’s Free Shakespeare in the Park, will portray Viola, while Junior takes on the role of her twin brother, Sebastian. The casting choice is particularly fitting, as Junior previously starred in a college production of *Twelfth Night* during his time at UC San Diego.

The production boasts an impressive ensemble, including Emmy Award winners Peter Dinklage and Sandra Oh, as well as Tony winner Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Broadway veterans Khris Davis, Daphne Rubin-Vega, and Bill Camp will also join the cast, making this revival one of the most talked-about theatrical events of the summer.

Twelfth Night will serve as the centerpiece of the Delacorte Theater’s grand reopening in August, following two years of renovations. The production promises to bring Shakespeare’s tale of mistaken identities, love, and mischief to life with a fresh and dynamic interpretation.

Junior Nyong’o, who sometimes goes by Peter, first gained widespread attention in 2014 when he photobombed a star-studded selfie taken by Ellen DeGeneres at the Academy Awards. The viral moment featured him alongside his sister and Hollywood heavyweights like Bradley Cooper, Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence, and Angelina Jolie. Reflecting on her brother’s charismatic personality, Lupita once quipped The Ellen DeGeneres Show, “He lives life in an exclamation point… he upstaged me… he’s quite the performer.”

The Nyong’o siblings’ collaboration in Twelfth Night is sure to draw audiences eager to see their onstage chemistry and individual talents shine. With a powerhouse cast, a timeless story, and the magic of Central Park’s outdoor theater, this production is poised to be a highlight of the summer theater season.

Tickets for Free Shakespeare in the Park will be available to the public, so mark your calendars for August and prepare to witness a truly unforgettable theatrical experience.