The production will begin performances at the theatre from the 28th May.

The Hampstead Theatre has announced casting for its upcoming production of Alfred Fagon’s The Death of A Black Man, directed by Dawn Walton, former Artistic Director of Eclipse Theatre Company.

Nickcolia King-N’da (Venice Preserved RSC, The Provoked Wife RSC) , Natalie Simpson (Outlander, Three Sisters at the National Theatre)  and Toyin Omari-Kinch (War Horse, Dunsinane) are set to star in this revival of the play, which originally premiered at the theatre back in 1975 and raises many questions that are relevant today relating to identity, capitalism and sexual politics.  

It’s 1973 and the West Indies have spectacularly beaten England at their own game, in their own backyard. Shakie, an 18-year old super-savvy wheeler-dealer, is in his element – and not just because of the cricket.  Life is good: his furniture business is making serious money and he owns a flat on the King’s Road, the epicentre of everything that’s cool.  Moreover, his best friend Stumpie has come up with a plan to crack the booming music industry together – the possibilities are endless so when Shakie’s ex-lover Jackie arrives at the Chelsea flat, the trio toast the future.   The champagne is flowing and ambition is running sky high – but how far will they go, and who will they sacrifice, in their quest to be rich beyond their wildest dreams? 

Talking about the news, Roxana Silbert, Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive of Hampstead Theatre said: “Fagon was one of the leading, black writers of his generation and Hampstead Theatre was very fortunate to have produced The Death of a Black Man during Alfred’s too short lifetime.  I can’t wait to welcome this young company to Hampstead Theatre to finally see this powerful play performed.”   

The creative team for the production includes: designs by Simon Kenny, lighting design by Johanna Town, sound design by Richard Hammarton, composer Duramaney Kamara​, movement direction by Rachael Nanyonjo and assistant direction by Nkechinyere Nwobani-Akanwo.   

The Death of A Black Man will play at the Hampstead Theatre from the 28th May until the 10th July.