Les Deux Noirs

by Psalmayene 24

Set in the legendary Parisian café Les Deux Magots in 1953, LES DEUX NOIRS reimagines the meeting between Native Son author Richard Wright and essayist/activist James Baldwin. It explores the tension between Baldwin's searing critiques of Native Son and Wright's unbridled indignation in response—a confrontation between two mighty African-American artists, with echoes of a present-day rap battle.

Set in the legendary Parisian café Les Deux Magots in 1953, LES DEUX NOIRS reimagines the meeting between Native Son author Richard Wright and essayist/activist James Baldwin. It explores the tension between Baldwin's searing critiques of Native Son and Wright's unbridled indignation in response—a confrontation between two mighty African-American artists, with echoes of a present-day rap battle.

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Les Deux Noirs

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: Les Deux Noirs by Psalmayene 24
    “

    The playwright expertly utilizes rap, dance and some killer dialogue to create this imagined conversation between literary giants. Definitely a play that will stick with me.

    The playwright expertly utilizes rap, dance and some killer dialogue to create this imagined conversation between literary giants. Definitely a play that will stick with me.

    ”
  • Nora Louise Syran: Les Deux Noirs by Psalmayene 24
    “

    Clever banter between a seasoned Richard Wright and an up-and-coming James Baldwin syncopated with dance, song, rap, historical and literary allusions...all in a fantastical "what's the point of life if you can't dance at a café in Paris?!" setting which offers reparations to the two men. Blend of the surreal, meta-theatrical and the very real reach of American racism "on the other side of the planet". Loved how the play captures the intent of these two men and transcends borders of countries, cultures and time. Great ending!

    Clever banter between a seasoned Richard Wright and an up-and-coming James Baldwin syncopated with dance, song, rap, historical and literary allusions...all in a fantastical "what's the point of life if you can't dance at a café in Paris?!" setting which offers reparations to the two men. Blend of the surreal, meta-theatrical and the very real reach of American racism "on the other side of the planet". Loved how the play captures the intent of these two men and transcends borders of countries, cultures and time. Great ending!

    ”
  • Cindi Sansone-Braff: Les Deux Noirs by Psalmayene 24
    “

    "In the case of the Negro, it's important that our art serve a revolutionary function." A truism that Richard Wright utters in this well-written play. Set in 1953 in Paris, it's absolutely fascinating to witness these two brilliant black writers verbally sparring with each other. Sadly, so much of the prejudice and injustices they speak about in mid-twentieth century America still, exists today. Timely and thought-provoking, this play would make for a thrilling night of theater. Bravo!

    "In the case of the Negro, it's important that our art serve a revolutionary function." A truism that Richard Wright utters in this well-written play. Set in 1953 in Paris, it's absolutely fascinating to witness these two brilliant black writers verbally sparring with each other. Sadly, so much of the prejudice and injustices they speak about in mid-twentieth century America still, exists today. Timely and thought-provoking, this play would make for a thrilling night of theater. Bravo!

    ”

Production History

  • Professional, Mosaic Theater, 2019