Review: RETROGRADE, Apollo Theatre

Photo credit: Marc Brenner

Sidney Poitier was one of the greatest actors of his generation. The epitaph might rest there but the Miami-born Bahamian was much more than a great actor. He came to prominence at a time of great social and political change. Poitier was the first African-American actor to play leading roles in Hollywood movies. He was blacklisted early in his career for civil rights activism, but later rose to fame in a string of classic movies and earned two Academy nominations, including the Oscar for Best Actor in Lillies of the Field; a genuine screen legend, trailblazer and role model for those who followed him. This play by Ryan Calais Cameron spins back to 1955, when Poitier was on the threshold of stardom but once again threatened with blacklisting.

Mr Parks (Stanley Townsend) is a battle scarred lawyer working for American broadcaster NBC. He carefully treads the line between cynicism and realism, but also prides himself as a problem solver and fixer for his employer. Bobby (Oliver Johnstone) is a downtrodden TV writer desperate for a break, but has now written the script for a TV movie which has received the go ahead in principle. More importantly, Bobby has found the perfect actor for the leading role. Both men anxiously wait for rising star Sidney Poitier (Ivanno Jeremiah) to arrive. Contracts are ready to sign but Mr Parks has devised a series of strings to keep his paymasters happy. Sidney is an active participant in the civil rights movement with cast iron principles. Paul Robeson is a close friend but identified as a dangerous individual by the UnAmerican Activities Committee. This is the age of guilt by association and Sidney has a choice to make. Will he now sacrifice everything he holds dear to clinch the deal?.

All three actors deliver powerhouse performances and complement each other’s characters with a rare depth of understanding. Stanley Townsend seems to have the best lines (‘the devil works fast but I work faster!’), which is unusual for the antagonist in a play. The clash of ideas is stark and incisive; Sidney Poitier, talented with a sharp tongue agitating for change, and Mr Parks, a world weary journeyman who seems unable to look forward. The script crackles with tension, humour and an earnest need for progress. This style of writing is hugely reminiscent of Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams and more recently David Mamet. A story driven by gritty blue collar realism where no characters are all bad but simply flawed human beings. However, running at 90 minutes with only three characters and minimal scene changes, it still feels like a fringe production. This in itself is no bad thing but it would benefit from a broader pallet to give the story more space. However, it remains a play of fine quality and distinction that deserves to be seen.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Brian Penn

Retrograde plays at London’s Apollo Theatre until 14 June, with tickets available here.