It is the Golden Age of Hollywood and more important, the height of censorship against minorities. 28-year-old Sidney Poitier is not yet the oscar winning, activist king that we know him to have been, in fact in this true story, he is simply a young man dreaming of his first major motion picture. Behind closed doors, a contract is offered that would make his dreams come true, but at what cost? Will Sidney stay true to his inner being or will he succumb to the Hollywood machine?

Created by For Black Boys writer Ryan Calais Cameron, the explosive new show takes a reflective and powerful look into the difficulties of identity, the power of resilience and the wisdom of integrity. Centred around a Black actor’s journey to stardom during the 1950s, Retrograde demonstrates the struggles he faces and the dark temptations that challenge his sense of self.

Retrograde takes over London's Apollo Theatre in spring 2025. Secure your seat by checking dates and ticket information via Stereoboard.