Written by emerging poet and playwright Jahmar Ngozi in collaboration with Oxford Playhouse, performed by PoetryHouse, and funded by the Arts Council, The Lost Generation will be streamed live on 20 and 21 November through Facebook and YouTube.
Seven actors will live stream via Zoom from their homes, playing some of contemporary culture’s most memorable controversial figures including, Frida Kahlo, Gil-Scott Heron, Charles Bukowski and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The play will also celebrate Basquiat’s life, reimagining the creative process behind his most lucrative painting.
The Lost Generation is set over one day and night, but Basquiat’s past experiences of homelessness, drugs, and racism remain present alongside his newfound success, fame, and fortune.
The play explores the personal and social influences directly affecting Basquiat’s life, combining historical facts and surrealism to provide a genuine insight into humanity, creativity, and success.
Ngozi, who is from London and was the winner of the Emerging Artist Award from Arcola Theatre in 2016, said, ‘My intention with The Lost Generation was to pay homage to an icon, beloved by the Hip-Hop community and the Avant Garde. At the same time through the online medium I want to encourage people to stay engaged with theatre in this challenging time, and provide a way in which it can be accessible to all.’
Running for 2 hours, the live play can be streamed on Facebook, or via Youtube on PoetryHouse’s website.