Review: “Retrograde” at the Apollo Theatre, London
“Retrograde,” currently running at the Apollo Theatre in London, is a powerful and thought-provoking production that “captures the moment a young Sidney Poitier prepares to sign a career-defining Hollywood contract that could make him a star.
Set in 1955, it is a pivotal point in Sidney Poitier’s career and is inspired by real-life events. Ivanno Jeremiah shines in his reprise of the role of a young Poitier, embodying the iconic actor with grace and authenticity. As writer, Ryan Cameron Calais, aptly put it, “Ivanno just embodies Poitier” and we see this, with a portrayal of that is both restrained and commanding, capturing the pride, morality, and quiet strength that defined the actor, delivering Poitier as the man we all imagined him to be: a symbol of resilience and dignity, but also one who carries an unspoken intensity.
The play is set entirely in an office, encapsulating the career-defining moment of Poitier’s rise to fame, and the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Actor. The tension and stakes are palpable in this confined space, and the script by Cameron Calais offers a compelling exploration of race and identity during a turbulent time. The racial dynamics explored in “Retrograde” offer a window into Poitier’s world, where being a “dark dark” Black man was less threatening then Harry Belafonte’s “shade of dark”, and the ways racism infiltrated his career decisions. Calais’s writing provokes moral reflection, challenging the audience to consider what it might feel like for actors today facing monumental career decisions—decisions that might come at a personal and moral cost.
Alongside Jeremiah, the two other actors in the cast deliver strong performances that complement the play’s sharp narrative. Each actor brings their own unique presence to the stage, with every interaction contributing to the layered tension that drives the story forward. The ensemble works seamlessly, creating a dynamic experience that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally charged.
Overall, “Retrograde” is a captivating production that delves into the complexities of fame, race, and morality in the entertainment industry. With all round great performances from Stanley Townsend (Netflix’s Kaos) and Oliver Johnstone (Antigone) and with Ivanno Jeremiah pushing the boat out to be outstanding.
