Commissioned and produced by the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, Black Star Line chronicles the rise and fall of Marcus Garvey and the Back to Africa movement of the 1920’s.

Garvey, a Jamaican immigrant to the United States, founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). At a time when W.E.B. Du Bois and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) were arguing that African Americans should claim their full rights as US citizens, Garvey was pushing for a separate black sovereign nation in Liberia.

“One of the best plays about race that I have ever seen, emerging playwright Charles Smith’s bold and provocative historical drama is a major new American work. Unafraid to take risks in the minefield of race politics and history, Black Star Line is a balanced and measured portrayal of one of the most fascinating and ultimately tragic figures in twentieth century America.”

– Chris Jones, New City

Cast size: 16 m., 4 w. multiracial cast.

For licensing information, please contact Barbara Hogenson, Barbara Hogenson Agency