The Bob Marley bio-musical has a new director in Clint Dyer after Dominic Cooke announced he was stepping down to allow for better representation behind the scenes. The pair have a longstanding relationship, having worked on various projects together in the U.K. theatre industry.
The Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Story is set to debut at London's Lyric Theatre in 2021 with Arinz茅 Kene in the lead role.
"In recent weeks, the conversation about race has changed in theatre, as it has across society," . "Clint is a brilliant theatre maker and an inspiring leader. I can鈥檛 wait to see what he brings to this powerful story. I have offered to support him in whatever way I can." The director will continue to focus on the of Follies, the Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman musical that Cooke revived at the National Theatre in 2017.
Dyer's directorial credits include Death of England, which at the National Theatre. The British-Jamaican artist also recently in a piece for Theatre Royal Stratford East's 846 project, in response to George Floyd鈥檚 murder and racial inequality and oppression.
"Having had the pleasure and education of working for Dominic as a writer-director at the Royal Court and with him at the National Theatre as an actor spanning decades, he has always been a man of great integrity, sensitivity, and of course immense talent," said Dyer. "So, in many regards it is of no surprise, that while having actually earned his 鈥榮tripes鈥� as it were, he would still show such respect, dignity, and heart."
As for the project itself, Dyer added that he is thrilled to join the production. 鈥淎s a British-Jamaican, I have been a Marleyite since I could hear," the director said. "I hope we can take forward the amazing work that Lee [Hall, bookwriter] and Dominic have done so far and bring this story to life in a conscious, uplifting and joyous way."
Get Up, Stand Up! is produced by Playful Productions and Stage Play.
