Jitney

Jitney at Old Vic Theatre

Why see Jitney?

Limited run

Jitney's cabs might not take you where you want to go, but they'll certainly take you to where you need to go. Such is the story of August Wilson's 1979 play Jitney, coming to the Old Vic this summer in this production between Headlong and Leeds Playhouse, directed by Tinue Craig. Set in racially segregated post-Vietnam America, Wilson's genius is reflected in spirited and ferocious dialogue and myriad intertwining plot lines that keep you captivated from the first moment.

What is it about?

The scene is set in Pittsburgh Hill in 1977 at a dilapidated unlicensed cab station, on which local residents rely for cheap fairs, rather than the expensive regulated taxis. However this mutually beneficial agreement is threatened with the release of the station owner's son from jail; violence flares, secrets are leaked and the uneasy peace holding everyone together nearly breaks down.

In addition, the cab office building is due to be closed down for urban redevelopment; however, the area's surrounding buildings that have already been closed have been forgotten for the promised work. Will our motley crew survive the threat of being pushed out in favor of gentrification? Or will the prodigal son finally stand up and fight for everybody his father's service stands for?

Key Information

Audience

12+

Run Time

Two hours and 45 minutes with one interval

Dates

Finished 9 Jul 2022

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