Father Comes Home From the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3) comes to the Royal Court Theatre between 15th September and 22nd October 2016, with press night on the 22nd September. This is the first three short plays in a series of 9 plays that portray the lives of an African-American family from the 1800s up to present times.
This production is to be directed by Jo Bonney with songs and music by Pullitzer-Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks and musical direction from Steveneo Bargonetti.
The Cast has been announced and according to the Royal Court’s website is as follows:-
“Jimmy Akingbola, Tom Bateman, Dex Lee, Sibusiso Mamba, Nadine Marshall, Sarah Niles, Jason Pennycooke, John Stahl, Steve Toussaint and Leo Wringer have been cast in the Royal Court’s production of Father Comes Home From The Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3) by Suzan-Lori Parks. Rehearsals start on Monday 15 August 2016.”
The story is set in the USA during the times of slavery and the American Civil War. Hero is a slave who is promised his freedom if he joins the fight on the side of the Confederacy against the Union. This means he is placed in a position of fighting against those who wish to abolish slavery. He leaves behind his family and while he is away fighting they must decide whether to await his return or try to escape, because they do not believe the promise of freedom made by his master, even if he does return from the war.
Tickets are now on sale for Father Comes Home From The Wars at the Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square.