"Retrograde" highlights Hollywood racism through Sidney Poitier's lens

A new play, "Retrograde," shines a light on the challenges faced by actor Sidney Poitier in 1955 Hollywood. This engaging performance is directed by Amit Sharma and written by Ryan Calais Cameron. It runs for 90 minutes and mixes humor with serious themes about racism. The story is set in the office of a studio lawyer, Larry Parks, played by Stanley Townsend. He embodies a casual yet dangerous racism as he questions Poitier’s suitability for a role. Ivanno Jeremiah returns as Poitier, delivering a powerful performance. The play captures the tension of whether Poitier should conform to the racist norms of Hollywood or stand by his principles. Throughout the play, Poitier is pressured to change how he presents himself, including using his Bahamian accent instead of his polished speech. His friend Bobby, portrayed by Oliver Johnstone, tries to be supportive but often crosses lines, showing the complicated dynamics of allyship. The dialogue is sharp and filled with moments that highlight the ugly truths of racial prejudice. Although the play has some flaws, like its schematic approach to 1950s cinema, it provides a strong commentary that resonates with today’s social issues. "Retrograde" runs until June 14 and is a thought-provoking experience that mixes entertainment with a historical lesson on racism in Hollywood.