A 24-year-old James is an unknown aspiring “Negro” writer whose first novel has yet to be published. He awaits his flight at LaGuardia, having just left his family with the news of his decision to flee America for refuge in Paris. He speaks no French. He has a one-way ticket and $40 in his pocket. Witness James Baldwin as he decides he must do something to save himself from the violent reality of racist America in 1948, a decision that sets him on the path to becoming a brilliant, powerful, and prophetic voice of the Civil Rights era and beyond. In celebration of Baldwin’s 100th birthday,

Citizen James is a bridge that connects the past to the present.

Citizen James is more than a solo performance. While our actor, James Alton, does embody James Baldwin, he grounds the audience in their breaths and in their souls through the empathy and care of Kyle Bass’ writing and Joann Yarrow’s staging. Our plan is to tour Citizen James throughout New England and beyond as part of HartBeat Ensemble’s ongoing James Baldwin Centennial Season.