Kiln Theatre presents Retrograde by Ryan Calais-Cameron which runs at the Kiln theatre in London from 20 Apr – 27 May 2023.
Ryan Calais Cameron’s Retrograde is based on a true event in the life of actor Sidney Poitier in 1950s Hollywood. It explores identity, resilience, and integrity in examining the reality of a Black actor’s journey to stardom.
The play is directed by Kiln Associate Director Amit Sharma (The Boy with Two Hearts). The play explores a moment in a career which paved ways and changed perceptions, cementing the legacy of this Hollywood icon. Retrograde asks the question; how much have we really evolved?
‘Mr Parks, this isn’t just a movie, it’s a whole movement. Whether you like it or not is irrelevant.’
In the Golden Age of Hollywood, aspiring actor Sidney Poitier is offered a lucrative contract that could make him a superstar. But what is he willing to sacrifice?
Daniel Lapaine returns to Kiln Theatre to play Mr Parks – he previously appeared in Holy Sh*t and The Invisible Hand. Daniel first came to prominence as the South African Olympic swimmer who marries Muriel in Muriel’s Wedding to gain Australian citizenship. Since then he has worked internationally in film, theatre, and television and is now based in London.
The Artiscape spoke to Daniel about his role in the play.
What attracted you to the script?
Lapaine: When I read Retrograde I had that very experience you don’t often get as an actor, which
is that you can’t help but speak the lines out loud.
The 1950’s New York dialogue literally jumps off the page. Ryan Calais Cameron’s writing is so visceral and physical and just so damn cool. Even though it’s a period piece, Retrograde says so much about race, politics and power in the world today. This combination and the fact that it’s about Sidney Poitier,
one of the greatest actors of all time, makes this play irresistible.
Can you tell us about the character you play?
Lapaine: I play an NBC executive studio lawyer, Mr Parks, who is a tough as nails Hollywood fixer.
He uses his charm and status to try to manipulate the young Sidney Poitier at the beginning of his career. Mr Park’s is charismatic, but he’s also a complete bastard. Think – Don Draper meets the Devil.
What are the challenges in playing this character?
Lapaine: Mr Parks is always 10 steps ahead of everyone else. He’s a master chess player, pitting
the other characters against each other. The main challenge in playing him will be driving
the action every night as well as keeping the party going, which includes pouring the drinks
and lighting the cigarettes.
But the beauty of this play is that just when Parks thinks he’s won, there’s a surprise waiting for him around the corner.
What are you looking forward to in performing in this play?
Lapaine: I’m looking forward to finding that sense of play every night between the cast and in turn,
with the audience. The dialogue rattles along like a machine-gun, so we will all really need
to be on our toes. At the same time it should feel playful, like being a jazz band. And
hopefully that sense of play will bleed out into the audience.
What do think an audience will take away from the production?
Lapaine: I’d like the audience to feel like they were suddenly thrown back into 1950’s New York, with
cool suits, drinking, smoking and snappy dialogue. It’s Mad Men meets Scorcese. More importantly, we hope the audience is reminded of the true legacy of Sidney Poitier, to show them what a trailblazer and a hero he was.
Ultimately, we hope the audience questions how much has truly changed since the 1950’s, especially regarding race, politics and power.
Retrograde by Ryan Calais-Cameron runs at the Kiln theatre in London from 20 Apr – 27 May 2023.
