Rising playwright Keenan Scott II brings a fresh perspective to Broadway with his new play, Thoughts of a Colored Man. Set in present-day Brooklyn, the show delves into the experiences of seven Black men, each in different phases of life and each facing individual challenges and societal pressures. These everyday universal scenarios—the birth and death of loved ones, complications of parenthood, career shortcomings, community-shifting gentrification and exploration of sexual identity—allow everyone to see a part of themselves in the characters.
The marquee at night
The stellar cast and crew (including Tristan “Mack” Wilds, Dyllón Burnside and Luke James) do a great job of engaging the audience, but what makes the play extraordinary is how it provides one of the few settings for Black men to see their complexities and vulnerabilities normalized and shared on stage. Rather than typical, surface level stories of the what, this play explores the why and how of today’s Black man without sensationalizing. For Black men and the Black community, this play serves as a much-needed mirror for introspection. For everyone else, it lifts the curtain and allows space to explore the thoughts of Black men in new and meaningful ways.
We sent a photographer to go behind the scenes at rehearsals. Check out the captures below.
Thoughts of a Colored Man is now running at John Golden Theatre; buy your tickets here.
(Left) Tristan Mack Wilds. (Right) Bjorn Dupaty
Director Steve H. Broadnax III
(From left) Keenan Scott II; Garrett Turner
Dyllón Burnside
(From left) Forest McClendon; Luke James
Esau Pritchett
(From left) Da’Vinchi, Luke James and Esau Pritchett perform on stage.
(From left) Esau Pritchett prepares to go on stage; a member of the crew at work.
Garrett Turner takes notes from the director.
Playwright Keenan Scott II (left) and director Steve H. Broadnax III watch rehearsals.
(From left) Luke James, Tristan Mack Wilds and Forrest McClendon rehearse.
A member of the crew at work
Director Steve H. Broadnax III reviews his notes.
Director Steve H. Broadnax III and his assistant director give notes to the actors.
Da’Vinchi (left) and Dyllón Burnside perform on stage.
Inspirational pictures are posted next to the dressing rooms.
Members of the crew at work
Director Steve H. Broadnax III watches rehearsals.
