“Brothers of Affliction” makes its West Coast debut at the Willie Agee Playhouse in Inglewood, running from March 14 to March 30.
Written, produced, and directed by acclaimed playwright Paris Crayton III, this raw and unfiltered drama offers audiences an intimate look at Black male vulnerability, healing, brotherhood, trauma, and redemption.
Crayton, a playwright, director, and actor with over 50 theater credits, describes his artistry as one rooted in healing. “Brothers of Affliction” is no exception.
“There was a lot of trauma in my life,” he explains. “The first part was trauma; the second part is healing. Everything I do is about healing—healing myself, my inner child, and hopefully, the audience as well.”
Starring O’Bryan A. Neely (“The Outsider”), Byron Coolie (“Chicago Fire”), and Phillip McNair (“Jess Goes West”), the play follows three brothers battling personal demons, including substance addiction and fractured relationships. Their volatile interactions unfold in a space that forces them to confront their past and either heal or remain trapped in their afflictions.
Originally produced in Atlanta in 2013, “Brothers of Affliction” became an unexpected hit, resonating with audiences for its gritty storytelling and emotional depth.
“I wanted to explore the complexities of brotherhood and the emotional weight of unspoken pain,” says Crayton, a 2023/24 Geffen Playhouse Writers’ Room alum. “This story is about asking what it takes to truly heal and forgive.
“This is not the kind of theater you see much anymore,” Crayton says. “It’s hard-hitting. It’s raw. It’s about three Black men on stage, fighting, loving, crying, and ultimately healing. That’s not something you see every day.”
With performances on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, “Brothers of Affliction” also offers talkbacks featuring licensed therapists on select Saturdays, emphasizing its commitment to healing beyond the stage. Additionally, a special free performance on March 23 will be held for victims of the LA fires, further extending the production’s outreach to the community.
Produced by Maroon Arts & Culture, The POW Creatives, Little Black Pearl Productions, and PC3 Productions, “Brothers of Affliction” is a must-see theatrical experience.
Opening night promises an exclusive reception, while Saturday performances offer the opportunity for audience engagement through post-show discussions.
Tickets can be purchased at brothersofaffliction.com for $40 in advance and $45 at the door. For more details about the production or to schedule an interview, contact Paris Crayton III at (678) 590-2723.
