‘This Bitter Earth’: Alexander Lincoln and Omari Douglas to star in Billy Porter-directed play

Alexander Lincoln and Omari Douglas have been chosen to star in Billy Porter’s directorial debut in the UK.

This summer, the compelling LGBTQIA+ play ‘This Bitter Earth’ is set to premiere in London’s West End.

Written by the American playwright Harrison David Rivers, the play delves into the “personal and political struggles” of an interracial couple, Jesse and Neal, as they grapple with issues of identity, history, and societal change in a racially charged environment.

According to ‘Gay Times’, Douglas will take on the role of Jesse, while Lincoln will play his partner Neal.

As mentioned earlier, ‘This Bitter Earth’ will serve as Porter’s first directorial project in UK theatre.

The production includes set and costume design by Morgan Large, sound design by Julian Starr, original composition by Sean Green, and production management by Toby Darvill.

In a statement, Porter expressed his enthusiasm for the show and the opportunity to bring Rivers’ powerful vision to life.

“Harrison David Rivers has crafted a profoundly poignant and essential play about love and loss through the lens of America’s fraying democratic experiment,” he stated.

“Simple. Complex. Direct and filled with compassion simultaneously. I’m excited to be part of bringing this unique piece to life.”

The play’s producer, Thomas Hopkins, shared similar views in a separate statement. “This Bitter Earth represents a pivotal moment in my new company’s growth as we establish our presence in the West End,” he remarked.

“This play not only unites the exceptional playwright Harrison David Rivers with the creative visionary Billy Porter as our director, but it also involves a team of passionate artists excelling in the global theatre scene to create a production that the world needs. This Bitter Earth enables us to learn from one another, grow as individuals, and heal collectively.”

Fortunately, audiences won’t have to wait long to experience ‘This Bitter Earth.’ Performances are set to begin on 18 June at the Soho Theatre and will run until 26 July.

Lincoln is widely recognised for his role as Jamie Tate in ‘Emmerdale’ (2019-2021) and Mark Newton in the critically acclaimed gay romantic drama ‘In From the Side’ (2022), noted for its refreshing absence of coming-out or homophobic themes. Last year, the British actor made a guest appearance in the popular Netflix series "Geek Girl" and co-starred with ‘Mean Girls’ icon Jonathan Bennett in ‘The Groomsmen Trilogy’ on Hallmark.

Douglas gained widespread recognition for his exceptional performance as Roscoe Babatunde in Russell T Davies’ Channel 4 drama ‘It’s A Sin.’ He has also made significant strides in the theatre scene, securing roles in ‘A Little Life’ (2023), ‘Constellations’ (2021), ‘Cabaret’ (2021), and ‘Peter Pan’ (2018).

Veteran performer Porter has been a prominent figure in theatre since the 1990s, appearing in productions such as ‘Grease,’ ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ and ‘DreamGirls.’ In 2013, he originated the role of Lola in the acclaimed Broadway show ‘Kinky Boots,’ which earned him the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.

The 55-year-old has also made a significant impact in film and television, with roles in ‘American Horror Story,’ ‘Our Son,’ and ‘Pose,’ the latter of which won him an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor.