American Trade

Details

When things get a little too hot for him in New York, good-looking, charismatic hustler, Pharus, escapes the clutches of rap star Jules and moves to London, where he sets up an escort business under the guise of a model agency. Recruiting a range of workers from different backgrounds who can cater to every taste, the play mischievously demonstrates the pressures and absurdities of making it in the big city for locals and immigrants alike. And it throws a wry light on our society's obsessions, from desire and control to deception and image. American Trade is a funny, uncompromising and outspoken play about survival, which challenges assumptions about racial and sexual identity. It is also a celebration of 21st century London in all its extravagant, confusing and dynamic diversity. American Trade is the stylish and feisty new play by the RSC’s Playwright in Residence, Tarell Alvin McCraney, winner of the 2008 Evening Standard Award for most promising playwright for his plays In the Red and Brown Water and The Brothers Size at the Young Vic.

Cast/Performers

Adam Burton, David Carr, Geoffrey Freshwater, Gruffudd Glyn, Kathryn Hunter, Tunji Kasim, Debbie Korley, Dharmesh Patel, David Rubin, Sophie Russell, Simone Saunders, Peter Shorey, Clarence Smith, James Traherne, James Tucker, Larrington Walker, Kirsty Woodward, Hannah Young, Samantha Young

Creatives/Company

Author: Tarell Alvin McCraney
Company: Royal Shakespeare Company
Director: Jamie Lloyd
Design: Soutra Gilmour
Sound(s): Ben Ringham, Max Ringham
Lighting: Neil Austin