Goodman Play Explores Coming of Age As A Black Republican

Carlyle rehearsal photos
Tim Edward Rhoze (Carlyle’s Father) and Charlette Speigner (Ensemble) in rehearsal for Carlyle written by Thomas Bradshaw, directed by Benjamin Kamine. Courtesy of the Goodman Theatre
Carlyle rehearsal photos
Tim Edward Rhoze (Carlyle’s Father) and Charlette Speigner (Ensemble) in rehearsal for Carlyle written by Thomas Bradshaw, directed by Benjamin Kamine. Courtesy of the Goodman Theatre

Goodman Play Explores Coming of Age As A Black Republican

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In his new satirical play Carlyle, Skokie-based playwright Thomas Bradshaw explores black identity, racism and American politics through his title character, a black Republican born with every advantage in life who is trying to figure out where he fits in the world. 

Tony Sarabia sits down with Bradshaw to discuss how black Republicans embody American individualism, why Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas looms so large for his protagonist Carlyle and what it means to be a successful black man in America. 

Carlyle is at the Goodman Theatre through May 1.