Black When I Was A Boy

See this show! It is well acted and performed. A brillant and vulnerable look into the life of a Black boy navigating through racism while fighting to maintain his dignity. Sheer theatrical excellence.... full review

Cooper's story told through the embodiment of characters in his one-man show will rip your balls off and tear your heart open. I saw this show during the week of celebrity suicides. I thought, Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain MISSED THIS. THIS IS WHAT MAKES LIFE WORTHWHILE. ... full review

A must see! The performance is raw, funny(!) and powerful, and the twists and turns of the story repeatedly took my breath away. Cooper the performer is as disarming and clever as Cooper the boy clearly was. This show is a welcome breath of fresh air in an otherwise heavy and difficult conversation about race. ... full review

Cooper Bates puts on an excellent show: profound, funny, moving, real. Black When I Was a Boy is a coming of age story that invites an honest dialogue around race, identity, and being human in America. Highly original, engaging, and beautiful. Cooper Bates is a national treasure, and to see him perform in a small venue is a blessing. Two thumbs (way) up ... full review

What an outstanding piece of work. Cooper is a consummate performer and seeing him deliver these very personal stories from his childhood brings up a whirlwind of emotions. From the very funny, to the heartbreaking, to the rueful, and beyond. I rarely have been so moved by a one man show. But to call it a one man show feels wrong because Cooper brings so many people to life over the course of this work! Childhood friends and family alike are illustrated immaculately by his both his acting and storytelling craft. Cooper is the real deal - and this showcases his talent admirably. Bravo my friend.... full review

Incredible story. Masterful performance. Deeply informative and provocative. This is a profound story about human belonging that could inspire greater understanding of ourselves and the people in our lives. Highly recommended.... full review

Black when I was a Boy engages the audience from the moment the introduction is done to the very end. It is a poignant and very relatable tale of growing up that encourages self circumspection. Cooper is a remarkable ,talented actor who can bring the audience to feel the emotions and the tone of the setting. Audio visuals are good yet do not detract from observing Cooper. It is a play that one can see again and again. I highly recommend it.... full review

What an incredible show! Cooper is an amazing storyteller! His presence captures you the minute he sets foot on that stage! ... full review

Cooper Bates has crafted a beautifully told story that speaks from an intimate voice about the realities of growing up in a deeply racist world, and the ways resilience and love return again and again. From the text to the delivery and staging to sound score, this carefully worked piece is moving from start to finish. Please go see this work, it will make you cry and laugh and offer inspiration to keep going in the roughest of times.... full review

Cooper Bates held my attention and had me interested in hearing any and all of the stories he had to tell. Based on his experience growing up the only black boy in Hill City, Kansas, in the 70s, he will take you on a ride through the pain and triumphs of his life and how that shapes him to this very day. Gripping and raw. The hour flew by.... full review