The Death of a Black Man

Alfred Fagon's darkly compelling drama featuring witty and complex characters which remains compulsive viewing in 2021

At least I am my own boss. No regrets. I choose what I do. I am lucky

It’s 1973 and the West Indies have spectacularly beaten England at their own game, in their own backyard.

Shakie, an 18-year-old super-savvy wheeler-dealer, is in his element – and not just because of the cricket. Life is good: his furniture business is making serious money and he owns a flat on the King’s Road, the epicentre of everything that’s cool. Moreover, his best friend Stumpie has come up with a plan to crack the booming music industry together - the possibilities are endless so when Shakie’s ex-lover Jackie arrives at the Chelsea flat, the trio toast the future.

The champagne is flowing and ambition is running sky high - but how far will they go, and who will they sacrifice, in their quest to be rich beyond their wildest dreams?

The Death of a Black Man received its world premiere at Hampstead Theatre in 1975. This new edition is published to coincide with its return to Hampstead Theatre, 46 years on, in May 2021.