Roundabout Theatre Co. announces THE REFOCUS PROJECT with Black Theatre United

Roundabout Theatre Company has announced its annual programme, The Refocus Project, which aims to elevate rarely produced and formerly marginalised theatrical voices from communities underrepresented or historically overlooked in American theatre.

The company’s 2021-2022 Broadway season will kick off with Trouble in Mind by Alice Childress, directed by Charles Randolph-Wright.  Childress is also one of the first five playwrights in The Refocus Project alongside Angelina Weld Grimké, Shirley Graham Du Bois, Zora Neale Hurston and Samm-Art Williams, with this year being presented in association with Black Theatre United.

Year One readings begin with Angelina Weld Grimké’s Rachel from 23 April, believed to be the first play by a Black woman professionally produced in the United States; Samm-Art Williams’ Home from 30 April, which ran for eight months on Broadway in 1980 and received a Tony nomination for Best Play; I Gotta Home by Shirley Graham Du Bois from 7 May, who was described as “one of Yale’s most promising playwrighting students”; Zora Neale Hurston’s Spunk from 14 May, which was never published; and Alice Childress’ Wine in the Wilderness from 21 May, previously considered too controversial due to its depiction of racial issues.

The second year of The Refocus Project will feature Latinx playwrights. 

Artistic Director/CEO Todd Haines said: “As our theatre begins this long overdue work, I’m grateful for the talented group of artists who have gathered to create Refocus. I’d also like to thank our friends at Black Theatre United, Ford Foundation and Bank of America for joining us. We look forward to doing our part to realign ourselves with the great works of these American artists.”

The play series is free of charge, although donations are encouraged to support Black Theatre United.

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