Retrograde review: Donné Ngabo delivers commanding performance as Sidney Poitier in MTC production

Donné Ngabo stars as Sidney Poitier in the Australian premiere of Ryan Calais Cameron's play Retrograde, produced by Melbourne Theatre Company at Arts Centre Melbourne until 27 June 2026. Directed by Bert LaBonté, the play is set in 1950s New York and follows Poitier at a career crossroads after his breakthrough role in Blackboard Jungle. An NBC lawyer, Mr Parks (Alan Dale), pressures Poitier to sign a loyalty oath and denounce Paul Robeson to secure a role in the teleplay A Man Is Ten Feet Tall. The production features set and costume design by Zoe Rouse, lighting by Rachel Lee, and sound design by Jethro Woodward. Josh McConville plays director Bobby Arthur. The play explores racism, Cold War hysteria, and allyship. Ngabo's performance is praised for capturing Poitier's pent-up fury and dignity.