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And in this corner: Cassius Clay

Scenic Design

At the sound of the bell, young Cassius Clay Jr. takes his first step into the ring and starts becoming the man the world would know as Muhammad Ali. This swift, vibrant historical drama bobs and weaves through the iconic boxer's early life in Jim Crow-era Louisville. An unlikely hero is a classic story, but And in This Corner goes an extra, exhilarating round by exploring how remarkable communities help to create them. Major inspiration for scenic design comes from civil rights murals and angular lines of the boxing ring to create a unit, puzzle-like set that becomes a live mural depicting Muhammad Ali’s major life events and activism.

By Idris Goodwin

Director Michael Jerome Johnson


Cody Soper - Lighting
Alexis Carrie - Costumes

Neil McFadden - Musical Director

Michael Jerome Johnson - Fight Choreography

John Emery - Technical Director

Co Production between Childsplay and The Black Theatre Troupe

Photos by Tim Trumble

Talking Broadway Review



Helen K Mason Performing Arts Center
Phoenix, Arizona


February 2019

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