National Theatre Live: Retrograde

Sep 9, 2025

1h 30m

★ 10.0

Sidney Poitier: Trailblazer, Activist, Icon.

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).

Genres

Drama

Production Companies

National Theatre

National Theatre Live: Retrograde Trailers

Cast

Sidney Poitier

Ivanno Jeremiah

Mr Parks

Stanley Townsend

Bobby

Oliver Johnstone

Toymaker's Dream is a vibrant, high-energy theatrical presentation that retells the biblical narrative of creation, the fall of man, and redemption through the life and death of Jesus Christ. The story is presented as a fantasy allegory, portraying God as the "Toymaker," humanity as his beloved "toys" living in "Dreamland," and Satan as the "Dream Hater" who incites rebellion against the Toymaker.

0.0

Revue Starlight ―The STAGE Junior High― Remains

Jul 6, 2024

Having seen the Seisho, Siegfeld, and Seiran Play Exchange Program's "The Wartime of Farewells" through to success, Stella and the others have taken a big step forward as Stage Girls. Then, another exchange program begins. The name of their partner school is Romana Drama School. It is a newly established school that was founded five years ago. With the rumors of them snatching up excellent students from exchange programs, they possess a shady history. The play Romana has chosen is Oscar Wilde's "Salome", which was once banned due to its content being deemed radical and degenerate. To play Salome, one must steal others' brilliance and be a pure egoist with infinite desires. Appearing before the bewildered Stella is none other than Mikoto Aragami, her old rival from her time in Munich, Germany... "Stella Takachiho. I will steal everything from you, and play Salome."

8.2

National Theatre Live: Coriolanus

Jan 29, 2014

When an old adversary threatens Rome, the city calls once more on her hero and defender: Coriolanus. But he has enemies at home too. Famine threatens the city, the citizens’ hunger swells to an appetite for change, and on returning from the field Coriolanus must confront the march of realpolitik and the voice of an angry people.

0.0

The Seagull

Apr 22, 2017

What if Konstantin Gavrilovich, from Anton Chekkov's famous play, did not commit suicide and was murdered instead? And who did it? Boris Akunin's take on The Seagull unfolds as a comedic murder mystery.

10.0

Revue Starlight ―The LIVE― #3 Growth

Jul 27, 2021

As a new school year begins at Seisho Music Academy, nine third-year students in Class A of the Actor Training Department deepen their bonds as they approach graduation. They reminisce about their growth and face uncertain futures while preparing for classes. The story revolves around their determination to pursue their dreams and the challenges they encounter during the Giraffe's Revue, highlighting their growth and transition to the next chapter of their lives.

10.0

Revue Starlight ―The LIVE Edel― Delight

Feb 18, 2022

The play tells a new original story that features characters from the Shōjo☆Kageki Revue Starlight Re LIVE mobile game, featuring and primarily focused on the Edels and Junior High students of Siegfeld Institute of Music. It also features all three Seiran General Art Institute students, as well as Claudine Saijo from Seisho Music Academy, Fumi Yumeoji from Rinmeikan Girls School, and Shizuha Kocho from Frontier School of Arts.

6.0

The Sandman

Nov 4, 2000

One of several collaborative dance films by the Brothers Quay & (dancer, choreographer) William Tuckett. Little enough info around on line, but there's briefly by way of Wikipedia entry. Adapted rather loosely from the works of the E.T.A. Hoffman. Familiar Quays' tropes, much in evidence: automata, trompe l'oeil effects, etc. No credit on the sound design (which is fairly elaborate), tho' that is possibly Larry Sider.

0.0

BIOHAZARD THE EXPERIENCE

Jul 1, 2017

Thirteen men and women wake up in a mansion, not knowing who each other is or why they have been abducted. To escape from the mansion, infested by Zombies, they must work together but cannot set aside their suspicions that one or more of their number is involved.

0.0

Cutie Honey Emotional

Feb 6, 2020

In the near future, Panther Claw has destroyed the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The capital government is forced to shift into the provinces. During this time, Honey Kisaragi has transferred to St. Chapel Academy as part of a special course. This special course is the "New Generation Honey" project, where students, including Honey, become Cutie Honey.

4.0

8

Mar 3, 2012

Live chronicle of the landmark federal trial of California's Prop. 8 using the actual court transcripts and first-hand interviews.

0.0

Rose

Jan 27, 2021

"Rose" is a filmed one-woman theatrical performance. A moving reminder of some of the harrowing events that shaped the century. It remains sadly relevant today as racial tensions escalate, and allegations of antisemitism are rife.

7.8

National Theatre Live: Hamlet

Dec 9, 2010

A 2010 broadcast of Hamlet returns to cinemas as part of the NT's 50th anniversary celebrations. Following his celebrated performances at the National Theatre in Burnt by the Sun, The Revenger's Tragedy, Philistines and The Man of Mode, Rory Kinnear plays Hamlet in a dynamic new production of Shakespeare’s complex and profound play about the human condition, directed by Nicholas Hytner. He is joined by Clare Higgins (Gertrude), Patrick Malahide (Claudius), David Calder (Polonius), James Laurenson (Ghost/Player King) and Ruth Negga (Ophelia).

5.5

Opening Night

Oct 14, 2023

A teenage boy navigates the final minutes before his first theater stage performance, which includes experiencing his first kiss. Despite his rising anxiety, he shares a romantic moment with a classmate.

0.0

The Gabriels: Election Year in the Life of One Family, Play Two: What Did You Expect?

Mar 23, 2017

Back in the kitchen of the Gabriel family, the country is now in the midst of the general election for President. In the course of one evening in the house they grew up in, history (both theirs and our country's), money, politics, family, art, and culture are chopped up and mixed together, while a meal is made around the kitchen table.

0.0

The Gabriels: Election Year in the Life of One Family, Play Three: Women of a Certain Age

Mar 24, 2017

Eight months after we first meet the Gabriels, Patricia, the family matriarch, joins her children and daughters-in-law as they prepare a meal from the past and consider the future of their country, town and home. Paying tribute to the difficult year behind them, the Gabriels compare notes on the search for empathy and authenticity at a time when the game seems rigged and the rules are forever changing.

0.0

The Gabriels: Election Year in the Life of One Family, Play One: Hungry

Mar 22, 2017

Hungry is the first in a three-play cycle introducing us to the Gabriels of Rhinebeck, New York. These three plays unfold in real time and track the lives of the Gabriels throughout the coming presidential election year. To the rhythm of peeling, chopping and mixing, Hungry places us in the center of the Gabriel’s kitchen. The family discusses their lives and disappointments, and the world at large and nearby. As they struggle against the fear of being left behind, the family attempts to find resilience in the face of loss.

8.5

National Theatre Live: Present Laughter

Nov 28, 2019

As he prepares to embark on an overseas tour, star actor Garry Essendine’s colourful life is in danger of spiralling out of control. Engulfed by an escalating identity crisis as his many and various relationships compete for his attention, Garry’s few remaining days at home are a chaotic whirlwind of love, sex, panic and soul-searching.

0.0

The Fabric of a Man

Apr 26, 2005

Fabric of a Man is about a boutique owner who dreams of being a designer, but her insecure man doesnt believe in her abilities so puts her down every chance he gets. she meets a young drycleaner named joshua who also wants to be designer and falls for him, now she struggles to choose between security with her man or take a chance and go for what she really wants.

0.0

All My Sons

Jan 19, 1987

Two families, related by friendship and love, face up to the consequences of greed and avarice in the post-war years. Love and death play equal roles in determining the outcome of events.

National Theatre Live: Retrograde

Overview

Genres

Production Companies

National Theatre Live: Retrograde Trailers