Vineyard Theatre's world premiere of Lessons in Survival: 1971 opens June 9, following previews which began May 31; performances are set to continue through June 30. The show stars Emmy nominee Carl Clemons-Hopkins and Crystal Dickinson as James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni, respectively.
Known for starring as Marcus in HBO's Hacks, Clemons-Hopkins has stage credits which include starring as Aaron Burr and George Washington in the Chicago production of Hamilton. His counterpart, Dickinson, has starred on the Broadway stage in Clybourne Park and You Can't Take It With You. Her on-screen experiences includes This Is Where I Leave You and The Good Wife.
The work is directed by Tyler Thomas and takes place in 1971 when young poet Nikki Giovanni interviewed James Baldwin on America's first "Black Tonight Show," Soul.
The design team includes You-Shin Chen as scenic designer, Mika Eubanks as costume designer, Amith Chadrashaker as lighting designer, Lee Kinney and Daniel Kluger as sound designers, Kluger as composer, and Matthew Glasner as casting director. The show is co-conceived by Marin Ireland, Peter Mark Kendall, Tyler Thomas, and Reggie D. White, and created with The Commissary.
