Talia Ryder to Lead How to Defend Yourself at New York Theatre Workshop

New York Theatre Workshop has announced the complete cast and creative team for Liliana Padilla's How to Defend Yourself, co-directed by Padilla, Tony winner Rachel Chavkin (Hadestown), and Steph Paul. Performances will run from February 22-April 2, with an official opening on March 13.

How to Defend Yourself is described as follows: "In a DIY self-defense class, college students learn to use their bodies as weapons. They learn to fend off attackers. They learn 'not to be a victim.' Self-defense becomes a channel for their rage, anxiety, confusion, trauma and desire—lots of desire."

The cast will be led by Talia Ryder (Do Revenge), alongside Amaya Braganza (The King and I), Sebastian Delascasas (Promise), Jayson Lee (Hooded: or being black for dummies), Ariana Mahallati (The Sky's Forest), Teagan Meredith (The Calling), Gabriela Ortega (Safe Haven), and Sarah Marie Rodriguez (Manifest).

The creative team includes scenic design by You-Shin Chen, costume design by Izumi Inaba, lighting design by Stacey Derosier, and sound design by Tony Award winner Mikhail Fiksel. Rocio Mendez will serve as fight director, with Ann James as intimacy coordinator, Dawn-Elin Fraser (Slave Play) as vocal coach, and Katie Young as stage manager. Casting is by Cindy Tolan, Erica Hart, and Nicholas Petrovich.