Award-winning drama ‘Reparations’ returns to New York, confronting race, privilege and betrayal

NEW YORK — The award-winning drama “Reparations” will return to New York in February 2027, bringing difficult conversations about race, privilege and justice to Harlem Stage.

Harlem Stage will present playwright James Sheldon’s production in partnership with The Billie Holiday Theatre. Indira Etwaroo, Harlem Stage’s CEO and artistic director, will direct the revival.

The production begins previews Feb. 17, officially opens Feb. 25 and runs through March 13.

The play previously earned six AUDELCO Awards following its 2019 New York premiere, including Best Play.

‘Reparations’ Explores Race, Power and Betrayal

“Reparations” follows a white book editor whose encounter with a younger Black writer takes an unexpected turn.

After spending an intimate evening together, the writer reveals a disturbing secret that threatens to destroy her life.

What begins as a personal encounter becomes a confrontation over racial privilege, betrayal and historical injustice.

The drama challenges audiences to consider who determines what society owes those harmed by injustice. It also examines how historical inequalities continue shaping personal relationships.

Etwaroo believes the production arrives at a particularly important moment.

“At a moment when the distance between those who hold power and those whose lives are shaped by it has never felt wider, I cannot imagine a more urgent time to tell this story,” Etwaroo said.

She added that theater can challenge audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about society.

“Reparations asks what repair truly demands when the wound runs deeper than money and the privileges born of injustice endure,” she said.

Acclaimed Cast Brings ‘Reparations’ Back to the Stage

The revival features several accomplished stage and screen performers.

RJ Foster, whose Broadway credits include “Fat Ham” and “The Lehman Trilogy,” joins Alexandra Neil of “The Sopranos.”

Daniel Pearce, known for Broadway’s “Othello,” also stars alongside Phyllis Yvonne Stickney.

Stickney previously appeared in “Malcolm X,” “Jungle Fever” and “What’s Love Got to Do with It.”

Meanwhile, Grammy-winning composer Arden Altino joins the creative team alongside sound designer Arthur Yorinks.

Devin Cameron will oversee lighting and projections, while Jorge Rosario will design costumes.

The production reunites Sheldon’s work with Etwaroo, who oversaw its 2019 premiere at The Billie Holiday Theatre.

That staging earned six AUDELCO Awards in 2020. The play later received BroadwayWorld Boston’s Best Play Award.

Harlem Stage Expands Community Conversations and Student Access

Beyond the performances, Harlem Stage plans discussions exploring racial justice, historical inequality and community experiences.

Scholars, artists and community leaders will participate in conversations at Harlem Stage and The Billie Holiday Theatre.

The production also includes free student matinees and educational programming.

Through its Buy One, Give One initiative, Harlem Stage will provide a New York City student with free theater access for every ticket purchased.

Students will receive educational workshops, lunch and opportunities to discuss the production with artists.

Tickets and Performance Dates

“Reparations” runs Feb. 17 through March 13, 2027, at Harlem Stage, 150 Convent Ave. in Manhattan.

Early bird tickets cost $25 for previews and $35 for regular performances through Dec. 31, 2026.

Beginning Jan. 1, preview tickets increase to $35, while regular performances cost $45.

For tickets and the complete performance schedule, visit HarlemStage.org.