World premiere of the play Shooters by Tolu Okanlawon, exploring authenticity, masculinity and representation through the story of Gordon Parks in 1948 Harlem.
Shooters, a new play by Tolu Okanlawon, has its world premiere at the Royal Exchange Theatre on Friday 12 February, running through to Saturday 13 March. It's the first professional production from Okanlawon, who won the 2025 Bruntwood Prize, and it's part of the Royal Exchange's 50th anniversary programme.
The play is set in Harlem, New York, in 1948. It follows African American photojournalist Gordon Parks, then on the brink of international renown, as he attempts to document the lives of a gang of teenage boys for LIFE magazine. Okanlawon draws on a true event from mid-century New York to build an exploration of authenticity, masculinity and representation, asking who has the right to tell someone else's story. It's a world premiere, so this is the first time the play will be staged.
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Because it's part of the Royal Exchange's 50th anniversary season, there's a Homecoming Pass available for the whole programme. The run goes for a little over a month, from 12 February to 13 March, with most performances starting at 19:30. There are Saturday matinees at 14:30, and a special Tuesday evening show on 9 March at 18:00. Standard tickets start from £12.
Date
12 February – 13 March
19:30
Price
Paid
Recommended Age
+14 years
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