by Melvin Van Peebles
directed by Lorna C. Hill
Sept. 17 – Nov. 7
“Amazing ... One of the most brilliant and significant theatrical explosions that Broadway has seen in years ... Stunningly effective popular entertainment ... A sure-fire success!”
- Newsweek 1971
1972 - The 26th Annual Tony Award Musical Of the Year • Book Of a Musical • Musical Score
Ain’t Supposed to Die A Natural Death is a gutsy, lusty and lyrical
narrative of Black street life that explores every aspect of ghetto agony. Set in 1971, the play is peopled by lovers, whores, pimps, crooked cops, junkies, drag queens, prisoners, good Samaritans and dreamers. Van Peebles' play is a tradition shattering work
which spawned the choreopoem, spoken word, and rap music.
Ain’t Supposed to Die A Natural Death is an urban/jazz/poetry cultural phenomenon, which was a huge hit on Broadway in its original inception and massively influenced contemporary culture.