Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) celebrates the new year with a new two-person comedy about brotherhood and basketball.
Written by Rajiv Joseph and directed by Jamil Jude, “King James” first premiered at Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago in 2022 following developmental workshops led by New harmony Project in Indiana. The play features themes of friendship, loyalty and loss, and is showing on the Janet Allen Stage at the IRT Jan. 14-Feb.9.
“‘King James’ spans over a decade of friendship and championship losses examining how the connections we make through the shared love of the game stand up to change,” cara hinh, associate artistic director, said in a statement. “This play is a fast-paced and funny story about the highs and lows of friendship and NBA seasons.”
“King James” tells the story of two young men — one Black, one white — who bond over a shared love of the Cavaliers during LeBron James’ rookie season in Cleveland. Starring Quinn M. Johnson (Matt) and Enoch King (Shawn), the next twelve years see their lives move in different directions, though their passion for basketball never wavers.
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Artist conversations with behind-the-scenes perspectives will be held throughout the run of the show. Following the 5 p.m. performance on Jan. 18, the IRT will host Community Conversation: Brotherhood: A Celebration of Difference, moderated by Devon Ginn, IRT’s director of inclusion & community partnerships, with panelists Too Black, Dr. Leslie Ettienne and Jingo M. de la Rosa about the dynamics of male friendships.
“King James” is showing at the IRT Jan. 14-Feb. 9, at 140 W. Washington St. The show is approximately two hours with one 15-minute intermission. Tickets start at $25. For more information, showtimes and supplemental programming, visit irtlive.com.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.