CITIZEN JAMES, OR THE YOUNG MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY
BY KYLE BASS
AUGUST 2 & 3, 2024 SYRACUSE STAGE
7:30 PM
Citizen James, or the Young Man Without a Country
By Kyle Bass | Directed by Joann Yarrow | Produced in partnership with 100 Black Men of Syracuse
Young James is an unknown aspiring “Negro” writer whose first novel has yet to be published. He awaits his flight, having just left his family with the news of his decision to flee America for refuge in Paris. He speaks no French. He has a one-way ticket and $40 in his pocket. Witness James Baldwin as he decides he must do something to save himself from the violent reality of racist America in 1948, a decision that sets him on the path to becoming a brilliant, powerful, and prophetic voice of the Civil Rights era and beyond. In celebration of Baldwin’s 100th birthday, Citizen James is a bridge that connects the past to our now.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Pre-Show Exhibition
Curated with James Baldwin’s unerring genius on indelible, difficult truths in American society, browse exhibits from local organizations that center Baldwin’s contributions to Black and American culture.
Featuring:
100 Black Men of Syracuse
Black Citizens Brigade
Black Cub Productions
DJ Bella J from On the One
Community Folk Art Centre
Syracuse University Library
Our Vegan Corner
Hope Café
Friday: 6 – 7:15 PM
Saturday: 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Post-Show Panel
Immediately following Friday performance
Featuring:
Kyle Bass, Playwright
Joan Bryant, Associate Professor of African American Studies, Syracuse University
Cjala Surratt, owner and founder, Black Citizens Brigade
Vincent F.A. Golphin, 100 Black Men
Moderated by Tanisha Jackson, Executive Director, Community Folk Art Centre
Talk Back
Immediately following the Saturday performance
Featuring:
Kyle Bass, Playwright
Joann Maria Yarrow, Director
James Alton, Actor
PRODUCED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
This project is made possible through the CNY Arts Grants for Regional Arts and Cultural Engagement regrant program thanks to a New York State Senate Initiative supported by the NYS Legislature, the Office of the Governor and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts.