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National Theatre Live: Retrograde

Sidney Poitier: Trailblazer, Activist, Icon.

10.0

2025•1h 30m

Hollywood’s so-called Golden Age. Ten years before becoming the first Black man to win an Oscar, a young Sidney Poitier arrives to sign a life-changing contract that could make him a star. But there’s a catch. As he becomes entangled in events larger than he imagined, Sidney is forced to make an impossible choice – one that will reshape his future, the Civil Rights Movement, and the soul of a nation. From award-winning writer Ryan Calais Cameron (For Black Boys…), exploring integrity, betrayal, and the personal cost of success, Retrograde asks what would you sacrifice to achieve your dream? Backed by double Oscar and BAFTA nominee Colman Domingo as producer, Amit Sharma’s ‘perfectly pitched production’ (Independent) features Ivanno Jeremiah (Constellations), Stanley Townsend (Kaos) and Oliver Johnstone (Antigone).

Production

Production

Trailers & Videos

Thumbnail for video: Retrograde | Teaser Trailer | National Theatre at Home

Retrograde | Teaser Trailer | National Theatre at Home

Thumbnail for video: Retrograde | Official Trailer | Apollo Theatre, London

Retrograde | Official Trailer | Apollo Theatre, London

Cast

Photo of Ivanno Jeremiah

Ivanno Jeremiah

Sidney Poitier

Photo of Stanley Townsend

Stanley Townsend

Mr Parks

Photo of Oliver Johnstone

Oliver Johnstone

Bobby

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