Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death

Classical Theater of Harlem presents Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death featuring book, music, and lyrics by Melvin Van Peebles. Directed by Alfred Preisser.

A totally unique fiction form, Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death is a gutsy, lusty narrative of Black street life that explores every aspect of ghetto agony. Peopled by junkies, whores, pimps, lesbians, drag queens, sweating workers, crooked cops, prisoners, lovers, and dreamers, Van Peebles’ play is considered a tradition shattering and trend setting work
which spawned the choreopoem, spoken word, and rap music.

The show was a huge hit on Broadway in its original inception, where it was nominated for seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.