In 1971, 28-year-old poet Nikki Giovanni interviewed renowned novelist James Baldwin, 47, on America’s first “Black Tonight Show,” SOUL! Fifty years later, Lessons in Survival: 1971 reintroduces their candid, provocative dialogue on race and liberation in America to our present moment. Building on the digital exploration of Lessons in Survival, which was recognized by The New York Times as Best in Theater 2020, this revelatory live staging explores the layers of intimacy and ideas between two Black revolutionary artists of different generations, with astonishing resonance for today.
Carl Clemons-Hopkins (Emmy Award nominee, Marcus on HBO’s “Hacks”) and Crystal Dickinson (Theater World Award winner, Clybourne Park) will portray James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni.
performance calendar
This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature; and Venturous Theater Fund, a fund of Tides Foundation.