Retrograde
Explosive drama in 1950s Hollywood with Retrograde play tickets
Sidney Poitier is one of the most famous acting trailblazers in history. But what did he sacrifice to get there? Following a hit run at North London’s Kiln Theatre, Ryan Calais Cameron’s new Retrograde play transfers to the West End for a limited season at the Apollo Theatre. This explosive drama from the creator of For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide is a smart and affecting portrait of resilience, integrity and bigotry in 1950s Hollywood, as Poitier stands on the cusp of his big break.
The 1950s is Hollywood’s Golden Age. But what dark secrets lurk behind closed doors, in the offices of power? Up-and-coming Black actor Sidney Poitier is about to sign a contract that could change his whole career. The catch: he has to publicly denounce a man he admires greatly, the activist Paul Robeson. In a decade of suspicion and intolerance, what compromises will Poitier have to make – and should he?
Bold, reflective and brilliant, the “exceptional” (The Guardian) Retrograde play is a stark portrait of the challenges facing Black actors and creatives, and the struggle to keep your integrity in an industry – and world – that works against you.
Playwright Ryan Calais Cameron follows up his Olivier Award-nominated hit For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide with another West End transfer, cementing his spot as one of the most exciting talents in UK theatre. Retrograde is directed by Kiln Theatre Artistic Director Amit Sharma (Then Barbara Met Alan, One Under), with a three-hander cast including Ivanno Jeremiah (Humans) as Sidney Poitier – reprising his “tremendous” (Time Out) performance at Kiln – Stanley Townsend as Mr Parks and Oliver Johnstone as Bobby.
Identity, morals and resilience are centre stage in the show that sees “a young British playwright [join] theatre’s A-list” (The Telegraph). Don’t miss the Retrograde play West End season this year!
Child friendly?
The Retrograde play age rating is 14+.