Liesl Tommy, who staged The Good Negro for its developmental run last year as part of the Public LAB, returned to direct the full production of the Civil Rights-era work that began previews March 3 and officially opened Off-Broadway March 16. The cast includes Joniece Abbott-Pratt ("Why Did I Get Married?"), Francois Battiste (Prelude to a Kiss), J. Bernard Calloway ("Rescue Me"), Quincy Dunn-Baker (Romeo and Juliet), Erik Jensen (Spain), LeRoy McClain (Cymbeline), Curtis McClarin (King Hedley II), Rachel Nicks ("Life Support") and Brian Wallace (A Christmas Carol).
The Good Negro, according to press notes, "is a gripping new play that rips through the pages of history to uncover the human story at the heart of the 1960s American Civil Rights movement. In the increasingly hostile South, tensions build as a trio of emerging black leaders attempts to conquer their individual demons amidst death threats from the Klan and wire taps by the FBI. Through personal and intimate stories inspired by the political upheavals of the era, The Good Negro examines the human frailties behind the historic headlines."
The production has scenic and costume design by Clint Ramos, lighting design by Lap Chi Chu and sound design by Daniel Baker.
Tracey Scott Wilson's plays include The Story, Exhibit #9, Order My Steps and Leader of the People.
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The Public Theater is located at 425 Lafayette Street in Manhattan.