Junior Nyong’o wowed the attendees at the opening night of Shakespeare in the Park’s production of ‘Twelfth Night’. The actor, known for his impeccable style, donned a striking white ensemble paired with a tan shirt as he graced the stage at the Delacorte Theater in New York City’s Central Park on August 21. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Junior Nyong’o shared that his outfit was a custom creation by Rwandan designer Matthew Rugamba’s House of Tayo fashion house. He expressed his commitment to representing the African continent through his fashion choices, stating, “I’ll always put on the continent whenever I can.”
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The standout feature of Junior’s outfit was the intricate beaded eye detail on his jacket, which he revealed was inspired by the themes of perception in Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’. He explained, “The inspiration behind it was how this play is all about perception and the four eyes are the eyes of the twins. We see this play through their eyes.” Accompanying his ensemble, Junior sported tan shoes, a long gold feather-like necklace, dangling black-and-white earrings, and a large brown ring. His hair, styled in a bun, showcased the shaved sides of his head, adding a modern touch to his overall look.
House of Tayo, Rugamba’s fashion brand, is celebrated for its representation of African sophistication and style through contemporary, locally-made clothing and accessories. Collaborating with his real-life sister, Lupita Nyong’o, in the production of ‘Twelfth Night’ as twins Viola and Sebastian, Junior expressed his excitement about sharing the stage with her. Reflecting on the opportunity, he shared, “Co-starring with my Oscar-winning sister has been a dream come true. I’ve been thinking about this since the first time I did Twelfth Night eight years ago.” The siblings lead a talented cast including Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Sandra Oh, and Peter Dinklage, among others.
Junior Nyong’o’s involvement in ‘Twelfth Night’ marks a significant moment in his career, especially considering his longstanding connection to the play. Recalling his previous experience in an all-male production of the play at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, he mused, “That was my first real interaction with the play and I was like, ‘Wait, these are twins — I feel like me and my sister [could] play twins.'” The actor’s manifestation of this desire eight years later, alongside Lupita, has been a fulfilling experience for him. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with his sister and best friend in bringing the characters of Viola and Sebastian to life on stage.
As ‘Twelfth Night’ continues its run at Shakespeare in the Park through September 14, audiences have the chance to witness Junior Nyong’o’s captivating portrayal and sartorial elegance firsthand. The production promises a unique and engaging interpretation of Shakespeare’s timeless comedy, enriched by the dynamic performances of Junior, Lupita, and the talented ensemble. Stay updated on the latest celebrity news and human-interest stories by subscribing to PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter. Don’t miss out on the behind-the-scenes moments and exclusive insights into the world of entertainment, fashion, and more. Shakespeare in the Park’s rendition of ‘Twelfth Night’ offers a delightful escape into the world of mistaken identities, love triangles, and comedic twists, making it a must-see theatrical experience for all.
In conclusion, Junior Nyong’o’s collaboration with his sister Lupita Nyong’o in ‘Twelfth Night’ showcases not only their exceptional acting abilities but also their shared passion for storytelling and artistic expression. Through his captivating performance and sartorial choices, Junior continues to make a mark in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with his talent and style. The production’s success is a testament to the dedication and talent of the cast and crew involved, bringing Shakespeare’s classic comedy to life in a contemporary and engaging manner.