Bradford was inspired to write the family drama after seeing a production of August Wilson's Fences. The world premiere is presented in association with the Hansberry Project – a professional Black theatre company dedicated to the artistic exploration of African American life, history and culture.
Fathers and Sons, which officially opens May 1 and runs through May 25, "explores what it means to be a father, a son, a husband, and a man," according to press notes. "Marcus, his father Leon, and grandfather Bernard confront a history of absence, mistakes, mistrust, and broken promises as they strive to redefine themselves as fathers and sons… Initially wary of each other, they come together in the midst of family crisis and ultimately discover that 'Ain't nothing a good love can't heal.'"
Valerie Curtis-Newton directs the four-member ensemble including William Hall, Jr., Reginald André Jackson, Tracey A. Leigh and Wilbur Penn.
Creative duties for Fathers and Sons are handled by Matt Smucker (scenic design), Melanie Taylor-Burgess (costume design), LB Morse (lighting design) and Eric Chappelle (sound design).
Bradford's Audelco-nominated play Living in the Wind was seen Off-Broadway at the American Place Theatre. He is the recipient of the Manhattan Theatre Club Playwright fellowship and The NEA/Lark Theatre Playwright Residency fellowship. For tickets phone (206) 292-7676 or visit www.acttheatre.org. ACT is located at 700 Union Street in Seattle.