Critically acclaimed stage adaptation of ‘Native Son’ debuts at Yale Rep

The Yale Repertory Theatre continues its 51^st season with a debut of Nambi E. Kelley’s critically acclaimed adaptation of Richard Wright’s novel, “Native Son.” The play is directed by Seret Scott and will be staged through Dec. 16 at the Yale Repertory Theatre, 1120 Chapel St. Opening night is Thursday, Nov. 30.

An overview of the show, provided by the Yale Rep: “Chicago’s South Side, the 1930s. Bigger Thomas struggles to find a place for himself in a world whose prejudice has shut him out. After taking a job in a wealthy white man's house, he unwittingly unleashes a series of events that violently and irrevocably seal his fate. Native Son is an unforgettable theatrical experience that captures the power of Richard Wright's iconic novel about oppression, freedom, and justice.”

The creative team includes Ryan Emens (scenic designer), Katie Touart (costume designer), Stephen Strawbridge (lighting designer), Frederick Kennedy (sound designer), Molly FitzMaurice (production dramaturg), Jen Seleznow (technical director), Ron Carlos (vocal coach), Rick Sordelet (fight director), Tara Rubin Casting (casting director), and Caitlin O’Rourke (stage manager).

The cast of “Native Son” features Jason Bowen, Jasai Chase-Owens, Rosalyn Coleman, Jessica Frances Dukes, Joby Earle, Jerod Haynes, Louisa Jacobson, Michael Pemberton, and Carmen Roman.
Tickets for “Native Son” range in price from $12 to $99 and are available online, by phone at (203) 432-1234, and in person at the Yale Rep Box Office, 1120 Chapel St. Student, senior, and group rates are also available. The show “contains strong language and adult content.” Please contact the Box Office at 203-432-1234 if you have questions about the themes or content of this production.

“Native Son” is also the first of Yale Rep’s two 2017–18 WILL POWER! productions. The run includes 10:15AM performances on December 12 and 14, 2017, available only to high school groups. Recommended for grades 9-12. To book your group for WILL POWER! performances, please contact Roger-Paul Snell at 203-432-9734 or roger-paul.snell@yale.edu. For questions about content and curriculum, contact Jocelyn Prince at 203-432-1541 or jocelyn.prince@yale.edu.

“Native Son” is sponsored by Carol L. Sirot. Development and production support are provided by Yale’s Binger Center for New Theatre. Yale Repertory Theatre is supported in part by the Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development.

The 2017-2018 Yale Rep season continues with: “Field Guide” by Rude Mechs and commissioned by Yale Rep (Jan. 26–Feb. 17,); “Father Comes Home from the Wars, Parts 1, 2 & 3” by Suzan-Lori Parks (March 16–April 7); and “Kiss” by Guillermo Calderón (April 27–May).