• The Play and Its Context
  • Emily Mann on Fetch Clay, Make Man
  • A Note From the Playwright
  • Muhammad Ali Bio
  • Stepin Fetchit Bio
  • Historical Glossary
  • Timeline
  • Interview with Professor Miriam Petty on Stepin Fetchit
• About this Production
  • Profile of Playwright Will Power
  • Playwright and Director Bios
• Theater in the Classroom
  • Core Curriculum Standards
  • Pre-Show Discussion Questions and Activities
  • Post-Show Discussion Questions and Activities
• Additional Resources

Emily Mann on Fetch Clay, Make Man

Dear Patrons,

Will Power is an astonishing young theater artist.  I had known of him and his extraordinary hip-hop theater work for years when Kemati Porter, a member of McCarter’s Artistic staff, insisted that I meet him in person to hear about the new play that he was interested in developing, Fetch Clay, Make Man.  He told me about the play he hoped to write, about the surprising (but true) friendship between champion boxer Muhammad Ali and vilified former Hollywood actor Stepin Fetchit.  It was to be a play that would examine identity, manhood and the public image of two exceedingly different men.  I was intrigued, and immediately could see why Kemati had advocated so passionately for his work—he is a captivating artist, engaging in some of the most exciting issues of our time as he crafts vital, muscular and powerful language as only a musician can.  Will became the playwright-in-residence at McCarter for two years while he wrote Fetch Clay, Make Man, meeting with members of our community, conducting workshops, listening to readings of his drafts, and becoming a critical part of the life of this theater. 

Now, he’s finished this triumphant new play, and it is an enormous pleasure to be able to share it with you in this production directed by the legendary Des McAnuff (Artistic Director of the Stratford Festival in Canada and director of the Broadway hits The Who’s Tommy and Jersey Boys, among many others).  Set around the controversial 1965 rematch between boxers Sonny Liston and Muhammed Ali, Fetch Clay, Make Man tells the story of two unlikely friends, drawn together by their deep need for each other.  The play grapples with the notion of how a public figure finds an outer persona that matches the inner man.  One of the greatest boxers of all time emerges from the collision of two great characters of the last century.

Will and Des’s work is theatrical, entertaining, visually and aurally evocative, and combines enormous humor with even more heart.  I know you’ll leave the theater energized and excited by this beautiful new play.

All best,

Emily

A McCarter Theatre production | Venue: Berlind Theatre | AUDIENCE GUIDE STAFF: Editor for Literary Content: Carrie Hughes |
Editor for Education Content: Paula T. Alekson | WEB DESIGN: Dimple Parmar | Contributors: Carrie Hughes, Adam Immerwahr, and Alexandra Ripp.