Retrograde by Ryan Calais Cameron - ★★★★★
For the third consecutive year, Ryan Calais Cameron, the celebrated writer of For Black Boys…, secures a place in London’s West End — this time with the transfer of Retrograde. First staged at the Kiln Theatre in 2023, where it enjoyed a sold-out and critically acclaimed run, Retrograde now moves to the Apollo Theatre, as Ryan Calais Cameron once again showcases his masterful penmanship in this terrifically pacy and intelligent drama, that follows the life of actor Sidney Poitier. With stardom only a stone’s throw away, he must decide what comes first. His career or his principles?
For a pacy 90-minute stretch, we’re transported to 1950s Hollywood, the Golden Age is our playground, as we’re flies on the wooden panelled walls of lawyer Mr Parks’ (Stanley Townsend) office. Smoke hangs in the air, Hitchcock posters decorate the walls, and whisky, or as the British say, Scotch, waits in the cabinets, anticipating what should be a moment of celebration.
In Mr Parks' office, we meet Bobby (Oliver Johnstone) with nearly a decade of experience under his belt, his big break is finally within reach. His movie script is ready to go to production, and with his close friend and Black actor Sidney Poitier (Ivanno Jeremiah) cast as the lead, they stand on the precipice of history. Seemingly, all that is left is for Poitier to put pen to paper and sign the contract.
However, a straightforward meeting takes a dramatic turn, amid the rising tide of the civil rights movement, McCarthyism and racist paranoia, Sidney Poitier is faced with an impossible ultimatum: sign an oath of loyalty to America or risk being blacklisted, losing everything he has worked so hard to achieve.
As tensions escalate, what unfolds is a masterfully crafted three-way tennis match between Mr. Parks, Bobby, and Sidney, where aces, fouls, and tension come in relentless succession. Mr. Parks peacocks around the stage, leaving lazily racist remarks in his wake as he urges Sidney to "loosen up" rather than, “rolling around in his daddy’s buttoned-up suit”. Poitier remains dignified yet restrained, absorbing the jabs until he can no longer stay silent. In Poitier’s justified outburst, and Mr. Parks' swift response to remind him who he is, Calais Cameron casts a masterful spotlight on the illusion of inclusion, one that can be revoked in an instant. It serves as a searingly relevant critique of who holds power and how they wield it.
This exchange is just one of many brilliant, sharp moments crafted by Calais Cameron. Retrograde is a script that packs a punch, not only through its biting intelligence but also in its humour. With impeccable comedic timing, sharp and hilarious insults ricochet around the stage as Mr. Parks and Bobby spar with their egos.
Ivanno Jeremiah is a tremendous Poitier, with a magnetic stage presence that captivates from start to finish. He perfectly captures the internal turmoil Poitier experiences as his integrity is challenged and his dream teeters on the edge of slipping away. We witness sadness transform into anger and hurt, with Jeremiah’s presence rumbling through the auditorium.
Retrograde further thrives under the direction of Amit Sharma and Associate Director Rachael Nanyonjo, maintaining the show's pace without sacrificing depth, with long moments of silence keeping us just as hooked as the verbal sparring.
Retrograde is a tremendously clever, sophisticated, and captivating watch — a well-deserved transfer that has somehow become even more impressive.
By Shore Delano
★★★★★
Retrograde is showing at Apollo Theatre until Saturday 14 June. Tickets from £20.