Jitney comes to Worthing Theatres – a preview

Jim Becker and his unlicensed drivers take people where regular taxi cabs won’t. Healing old wounds and tearing new ones as they pass the time in a condemned taxi rank between pick-ups.

Tinuke Craig’s acclaimed production of August Wilson’s Jitney comes to Worthing, following a month-long run at The Old Vic.

A Headlong, Leeds Playhouse and The Old Vic co-production, this show comes from an exceptional degree of talent. It will open at London’s historic Old Vic before a regional tour to Worthing’s Connaught Theatre on Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 July 2022.

What is it?

Jitney is a ground-breaking modern classic from one of America’s greatest writers, August Wilson (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom). The play explores the fragile bond between eight men as they live, love, and work in a racially segregated, post-Vietnam America.

Their stories are brought to the stage by much-lauded Director, Tinuke Craig, an alum of our local University of Sussex. Her past work includes The Colour Purple, Vassa, I Call My Brothers. Not only that, but even Cinderella, the pantomime at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre.

Tinuke said: “This remarkable play, the first written of August Wilson’s Pittsburgh Cycle, hasn’t been seen in London for over 20 years but remains as relevant as ever. It is a play I’ve loved for many years which explores the themes of love, loss, and community through the lens of the Black experience. It’s a dream come true to be able to direct it.”

What’s it about?

Jim Becker and his unlicensed drivers take the people of Pittsburgh Hill District where regular taxi cabs won’t. While they work, these eight men are healing old wounds and tearing new ones. Passing time in a condemned taxi rank between pick-ups. Wilson’s potent social commentary, paired with Craig’s clever staging, creates a searing live theatre experience. Just as relevant today as it was when first published in 1982.

The cast line-up

The line-up includes a range of talent, from soap stars to well-known West-Enders. Joining the cast is Nnabiko Ejimofor as Shealy, Solomon Israel as Youngblood, Dayo Koleosho as Philmore, and Sule Rimi as Turbo. They join the previously announced Geoff Aymer as Doub, Leanne Henlon as Rena, Wil Johnson as Becker, Leemore Marrett Jr. as Booster, and Tony Marshall as Fielding.

About Headlong Theatre

Headlong Theatre is a company with a big imagination. It aims to represent to the contemporary world through a programme of fearless writing, reimagined classics, and 20th-century plays. By positioning the next generation of theatre-makers alongside artists of international standing, the company ensures that it consistently creates work that is bold and original.

To see the play…

You can see Jitney performed at the Connaught Theatre from Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 July 2022.

Tickets are available from £10.

For more information on this or any of the events, visit www.wtam.uk or call the WTM Box Office on 01903 206206

 

Reviews

https://www.allthatdazzles.co.uk/post/review-jitney-the-old-vic

https://www.thereviewshub.com/jitney-the-old-vic-london/

https://tribearts.co.uk/the-old-vic-jitney/

★★★★★ ‘Rich, poignant drama impeccably staged’ – The Telegraph

★★★★ ‘Utterly believable‘ – The Guardian

★★★★ ‘A powerful, intense study of characters tackling problems caused by class, race and generational divide…deserves to be seen by as wide an audience as possible‘ – The Stage

★★★★ ‘Pin-sharp performances drive this August Wilson revival‘ – The Times