Writer | Nambi Kelley

“Brutal, powerful and relentless.”

— Stage and Cinema (Los Angeles), on Native Son

“Brings powerful text to incredible, fiery life.”

— Newcity Stage (Chicago), on Native Son

“A kinetic world premiere…every bit a significant play.”

— OnStage Blog (New Haven), on Native Son JAZZ by Nambi E. Kelley, adapted from the novel by Toni Morrison

“A kinetic world premiere…every bit a significant play.”

— The Baltimore Sun, on Jazz

“A poetic celebration.”

— DC Metro Theater Arts, on Jazz

“Kelley does a beautiful job preserving the voice of Morrison’s characters.”

— CultureSeen4U, on Jazz

“A highly nuanced narrative intricately interwoven with music and dance.”

— DC Metro Theater Arts, on Jazz

“Nambi E. Kelley does an excellent job fusing the dialogue and the highly descriptive narration of Toni Morrison’s voice.”

— MD Theatre Guide, on Jazz

Television writing reels/clips:

Native Son (excerpt) by Nambi E. Kelley

Stokely (excerpt) by Nambi E. Kelley

Plays & Productions

Native Son

by Nambi E. Kelley – adapted from the novel by Richard Wright.

Richard Wright’s iconic novel about oppression, freedom, and justice comes to life onstage in this groundbreaking adaptation.

Jabari Dreams

JABARI DREAMS is a 45-minute dream—a piece for ages 8 and up—that uses rap, freedom songs, hip-hop dance, history, and humor to tell the story…

Publications

Visit my

Native Son

Playwrighting Resume:

Playwrighting Resume