Extended to August 3!

LES BLANCS (THE WHITES)

by Lorraine Hansberry
adapted by Robert Nemiroff
directed by James Mercer II

Oakland Theater Project presents Lorraine Hansberry’s final work: Les Blancs.

In the waning colonial days of the fictional African nation of Zatembe, a young Black man returns home from Europe to bury his father.

At the local medical mission, colliding interests and loyalties unfold—with inescapable consequences.

At a time when discussions of U.S. expansionism are resurfacing, these themes of colonization have never felt more urgent.

This exploration of power, politics, and liberation resists simplistic narratives of good and evil, challenging us to confront the brutal complexities of empire.

PERFORMANCES

JUL 11–AUG 3
THU / FRI / SAT + SUN 8/3 @ 7 p.m.
SUN 7/20 + 7/27 @ 2 p.m.

Previews: Fri 7/11 & Sat 7/12
Opening Night: Sun 7/13
Masked Audience Performance: Fri 7/18

Run Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes (plus one intermission)

PRIORITY TICKET
(Reserved seating)
$60

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET
(Seating assigned upon arrival)
$35

PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN TICKET
(Or any amount at the door — contact box office for availability)
$10 / $20

Please note: Online ticket sales close 1 hour before the start of each performance. Tickets may be purchased at the door — subject to availability.

Questions? Contact the Box Office at 510.646.1126 or boxoffice@oaklandtheaterproject.org

GET TICKETS

SUBSCRIBE TO THE 2025 SEASON

IN THE MEDIA

“A brilliant production!”
– East Bay Times

“One of the best shows of the year!”
– 48 Hills

“Intricate and clever… To enter the world of the play is to be smacked upside the head with its young writer’s insight and imagination… Oakland Theater Project’s cast kills it”
– San Francisco Chronicle

“A powerful vision… Under the talented hands of Director James Mercer II, Les Blancs makes us face the prejudices that we hide or ignore”
– Theatrius

“A bold, unflinching, and necessary picture of what it’s like to be trapped in a colonized country, ruled by an imperial power… Each actor’s performance is grounded and emotionally charged… A must-see show”
– Theatrius (Millennial Notes)

“James Mercer II has staged an excellent revival of Hansberry’s work. The pacing is brisk, the story and conflicts compelling, and the acting crisp and enthralling”
– Midbrow

In ‘Les Blancs,’ a once-silent character finds full voice through eight women players

Actor Jeunée Simon on OTP's powerful version of Lorraine Hansberry's 1970 play, in which a Black man returns to Africa.

Read Full Article in 48 Hills

Teaser video featuring Choreographer Latanya d. Tigner
Video by Adam Elder Montanaro

Interview with Director James Mercer II

Video by Adam Elder Montanaro

Cast members Monique Crawford, Brittany Sims, and Champagne Hughes introduce Les Blancs.

Video by Adam Elder Montanaro

Cast members Aidaa Peerzada, Ije Success and Jeunée Simon reflect on the casting in Oakland Theater Project’s production of Les Blancs.

Video by Adam Elder Montanaro

Cast members Jacinta Kaumbulu and Rezan Asfaw reflect on Oakland Theater Project’s production of Les Blancs.

Video by Adam Elder Montanaro