Director Ryan Curry Cameron’s Olivier-nominated film “To the Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide Because Their Colors Have Been Too Heavy” has announced a new cast to reprise the role in London’s West End.
In the play, six young black men gather for group therapy and let their minds and imaginations run wild. Starring the roles of Onyx, Pitch, Jet, Sable, Obsidian and Midnight are Tobi King Bakare (I May Destroy You), Shaquille Hakim making his professional debut, and Fela Rufadejou (Santiago). ), Albert Magashi (Dear England). ”), Mohamed Mansaray (“Gust Up”), and Posi Morakinho (“Mandela”).
Cameron was inspired by Ntozake Shange’s seminal 1976 work “To the Colored Girls Who Are Considering Suicide/When the Rainbow Disappears.” It was originally conceived by Prime Minister David Cameron in response to the murder of Trayvon Martin in 2012, and has been developed over the past decade with young black men and mental health organizations.
Cameron will direct the new film. Movement direction and choreography were by Theophilus O. Bailey, music direction and vocal arrangements were by John Pfumozhena, and sound design and composition were by Nicola T. Chan. Set and costume design is by Anna Reid, lighting design is by Rory Beaton, and assistant director is Tatenda Shamiso. Casting: Isabella Odofin.
The play, nominated for two Olivier Awards in 2023, premiered at the New Diorama Theatre, then transferred to the Royal Court Theater and had a sold-out first West End run at the Apollo Theater. did. The new production will run for nine weeks at London’s Garrick Theater starting February 29th.
Director Cameron said: “The themes explored in the film are timeless and I’m really excited to see the new cast bring their own energy and sparkle to the production.
Each member brings a wealth of talent and dedication to their roles, and we are confident that their interpretations will breathe new life into this story. ”
Producer and theater owner Nika Burns said: “Ryan Curry Cameron’s outstanding ground-breaking play will bring new audiences to the West End’s Apollo Theater in 2023 with sold-out performances. We are delighted to be able to bring For Black Boys back to the Garrick Theater with an all-new cast in response to the “For Black Boys” mission. The visionary David Byrne, the first theater commissioner at New Diorama, has created It is especially fitting that he will be working with us again to produce this play as the new artistic director of the Court Theatre.”
Image: Top row: Albert Magashi, Mohamed Mansaray, Fela Rufadeju.
Bottom row: Posi Morakinho, Shaquille Hakim, Tobi King Bakare.