Debbie Allen is set to direct the play “Fetch Clay, Make Man,” with Lebron James and Maverick Carter’s SpringHill company attached to produce, and Center Theatre Group working alongside them. The play is set to play at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City, with performances from June 18 to July 16, 2023, and the opening night scheduled for June 25, 2023.
READ: Laurence Fishburne to Star in One-Man Play Like They Do In The Movies This Summer
“Fetch Clay, Make Man” is a captivating play that explores the relationship between two cultural icons, Muhammad Ali and Stepin Fetchit, against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement of the mid-1960s. The play delves into the challenges both men faced in shaping their public personas and the complexities of their true selves.
Will Power, an award-winning performer and playwright, wrote the rhythmic and enticing script that draws inspiration from the real-life friendship between Ali, the champion fighter and poet, and Lincoln Perry, also known as Stepin Fetchit, the vaudevillian comedian who was the first black actor to have a successful career in old Hollywood.
The play examines universal themes like racism, politics, sexism, and religion through humor and irreverence, reflecting the personalities of both Ali and Fetchit. It highlights the tensions that exist between public personas and the complexities of one’s true self, making it a very Los Angeles story that resonates in the 21st century.
READ: 15 Comedians Who Play The Hell Out of Their Dramatic Roles
SpringHill’s lead producer, Philip Byron, expressed the importance of telling a story about “The Greatest of All Time,” Muhammad Ali, following the production of their 2020 Emmy-winning documentary, “What’s My Name: Muhammad Ali” for HBO. The play sheds light on Lincoln Perry, also known as Stepin’ Fetchit, a pioneer in the entertainment industry.
Center Theatre Group’s Associate Artistic Director, Tyrone Davis, called the collaboration with SpringHill vital to the grand entertainment ecosystem, and expressed his excitement for the production’s success. “Fetch Clay, Make Man” explores the unlikely bond between Muhammad Ali and Stepin Fetchit, two vastly different and influential cultural icons, as they navigate the Civil Rights Movement of the mid-1960s.
Director Debbie Allen shared her enthusiasm for the project, citing the play’s universal themes like racism, politics, sexism, and religion, and how it provokes thought and debate from audiences. Playwright Will Power highlighted the play’s exploration of the vast tensions that exist between celebrities’ public personas and the complexities of their true selves, which still resonate in the 21st century.
Tickets for “Fetch Clay, Make Man” are available through CenterTheatreGroup.org, Audience Services, or in person at the Center Theatre Group Box Offices, with performances running Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
READ: A Lovers Playlist: 25 Best Romantic Movies to Watch
“Fetch Clay, Make Man” is a relatively new play that was first produced in 2010. It premiered Off-Broadway at the New York Theatre Workshop in New York City, with Des McAnuff as director and Nikki M. James and Ray Fisher as the lead actors. The play received positive reviews and was subsequently produced in several other theaters around the United States, including the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, New Jersey, and the Marin Theatre Company in Mill Valley, California.
In 2013, the play had its international premiere at the UK’s Tricycle Theatre in London, directed by Paulette Randall. The production received critical acclaim and was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best New Play.
Since then, “Fetch Clay, Make Man” has been produced in several other countries, including Canada, Australia, and South Africa. The play has also been adapted for radio and has been broadcast on BBC Radio 3. Overall, “Fetch Clay, Make Man” has been produced several times since its premiere in 2010 and has received critical acclaim for its exploration of the relationship between Muhammad Ali and Stepin Fetchit, as well as its examination of themes like racism, politics, and celebrity culture.
Message From the Founder (Me):
As a one-person team working hard to create quality content and celebrate the beauty and diversity of Black culture, I rely on the support of people like you. If you believe in what Blex Media stands for and enjoy the content I produce, please consider donating a cup of coffee. Your contribution helps me keep the site running will enable me to expand my team and improve Blex’s platform. Thank you for being a part of the Blex community!
-Sharifa