Nicco Annan ’98

Nicco Annan ’98 is an actor, dancer, and choreographer.

He’s best known for his portrayal of Uncle Clifford on the Starz drama series P-Valley, an adaptation of the Katori Hall play Pussy Valley, in which Annan originated the role at the Mixed Blood Theatre in 2015.

He also appeared in Hall’s Pulitzer Prize winner, The Hot Wing King.

“As a Black gay man playing a non-binary role, Annan defies traditional gender limitations while bringing dignity and grace central the common humanity of the character he plays.”

—sagaftra.org

Annan recently spoke about the influence of the late Israel Hicks, the distinguished theatre director who served as dean of theatre arts and film here from 1987 to 2001.

“So I came from Detroit straight to Purchase. The dean of the program was the late, great Israel Hicks. And he was a man, a teacher, and a mentor to me. He helped mold me as an artist.

“But also, I’ll say this, he helped to shape my fire. And when I say that, I mean, I came this 18-year-old kid that just was sparking, I knew that I was gay. But I also knew that I was Black.

“I also knew that I was into classical theater. I also knew that I had a strong foundation in the drama of theater. So I was attracted to August Wilson, of course; to Lorraine Hansberry. I was attracted to international artists.

“I remember we did a Nigerian play called Morountodun. And my father, and my family, is from Ghana, but I had never had the opportunity to be able to connect my cultural identity with my artistic voice.

“And to do so in a space, as a gay man, was something that gave me an additional expansion and a level of confidence.”

—From thrillist.com