Marley

Marley

By Kwame Kwei-Armah, music and lyrics by Bob Marley

Directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah

Originally produced at Center Stage, Baltimore, MD.

May 6, 2015 through June 14, 2015


About the Premiere Production

From Center Stage Artistic Director Kwame Kwei-Armah, comes a world premiere musical based on the life and music Bob Marley. After a failed attempt on his life, Marley left Jamaica in 1976 for London, where he spent nearly two years in self-imposed exile. Chronicling the events surrounding this earth-shaking moment, Marley tells the story of a man transformed into one of the 20th Century’s greatest musical icons. Set in the soundscape of an era, this new musical weaves together the life and music of a man who, to heal himself, first healed his homeland.


Artistic Statement

Bob Marley’s story will resonate with audiences of many types and on many levels; people who love his music, those who gravitate to his easy way of being, and those who admire his leadership and peaceful rejection of injustice and encouragement to “stand up” are all potential audiences for this new musical. We are very optimistic about the effort and believe the show will move on from Center Stage to future production across the U.S.


Grant Statement

We had four weeks of rehearsal time planned for Marley if we did not receive an Edgerton New Play Award. The Edgerton grant will allow us to extend to six weeks with the actors and entire creative team on site. This extended time is vital to ensuring a world premiere production of the highest level; a hallmark of Center Stage.


Director: Kwame Kwei-Armah

Set Design: Neil Patel

Lighting Design: Michelle Habeck

Sound Design: Shane Rettig

Costume Design: Emilio Sosa

Additional creative team: Alex Koch (Projection Designer)