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National Theatre Live: Retrograde backdrop
National Theatre Live: Retrograde poster
Drama

National Theatre Live: Retrograde (2025)

Runtime: 90 min
Release date: 09/09/2025
Production countries: United Kingdom
Production companies: National Theatre
Overview
Hollywood’s so-called Golden Age. Ten years before becoming the first Black man to win an Oscar, a young Sidney Poitier arrives to sign a life-changing contract that could make him a star. But there’s a catch. As he becomes entangled in events larger than he imagined, Sidney is forced to make an impossible choice – one that will reshape his future, the Civil Rights Movement, and the soul of a nation. From award-winning writer Ryan Calais Cameron (For Black Boys…), exploring integrity, betrayal, and the personal cost of success, Retrograde asks what would you sacrifice to achieve your dream? Backed by double Oscar and BAFTA nominee Colman Domingo as producer, Amit Sharma’s ‘perfectly pitched production’ (Independent) features Ivanno Jeremiah (Constellations), Stanley Townsend (Kaos) and Oliver Johnstone (Antigone).
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Amit Sharma
Director
Cast
Ivanno Jeremiah profile photo
Ivanno Jeremiah
as Sidney Poitier
Stanley Townsend profile photo
Stanley Townsend
as Mr Parks
Oliver Johnstone profile photo
Oliver Johnstone
as Bobby
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Drama

National Theatre Live: Retrograde

Retrograde | Teaser Trailer | National Theatre at Home

Video: YouTube
Duration: 00:53