Sidney Poitier play ‘Retrograde’ to open at Kiln Theatre

Ryan Calais Cameron’s play explores the Golden Age of Hollywood.

As For Black Boys… transfers to the West End, Ryan Calais Cameron presents his newest show, Retrograde, at the Kiln Theatre. Retrograde is based on events surrounding Sidney Poitier in 1950s Hollywood.

Retrograde begins previews at the Kiln Theatre on 20 April, ahead of an opening night on 26 April, and performances to 27 May.

While Hollywood may appear all glitz and glamour, the journey to stardom isn’t all it seems. For Sidney Poitier, a lucrative contract could take his career to the next level. But what is he willing to sacrifice?

“What drew me to writing a play about the Hollywood Blacklist is the intricacies around the idea of what it means to be Blacklisted and also Black. Retrograde tells the unheard story how Sidney Poitier, the cultural icon that we know and love, came to be and the huge decision he had to make,” said Calais Cameron.

Ivanno Jeremiah will play Sidney, with Ian Bonar as Bobby and Daniel Lapaine as Mr Parks. Amit Sharma directs Retrograde, with design by Frankie Bradshaw, lighting design by Amy Mae, and sound design by Beth Duke.

Ryan Calais Cameron is best known for his play, For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy. For Black Boys will transfer to the West End in spring 2023, and For Black Boys tickets are on sale now.

Retrograde is at the Kiln Theatre.

Book Retrograde tickets on London Theatre.

Photo credit: Kiln Theatre (Photo courtesy of Queensonthehighroad on Wikipedia)