ROBERTO CLEMENTE: A DIAMOND WITHIN To Have World Premiere at Marlene Boll Theatre
Plowshares Theatre Company stages Cándido Tirado's play at Detroit's Marlene Boll Theatre, directed by Gary Anderson.
Plowshares Theatre Company has announced the cast for the world premiere of “Roberto Clemente: A Diamond Within,” an original play by acclaimed playwright Cándido Tirado. The production will be directed by Plowshares founder, Gary Anderson, and feature Elvis Nolasco (Apple TV+'s Manhunt, Hulu's Mr. Crocket) as Roberto Clemente.
The production, a key part of the company's commitment to diverse storytelling, will run from June 5 through June 28, 2026, at the Marlene Boll Theatre at The Boll Family YMCA, 1401 Broadway, Detroit, MI.
Tickets for “Roberto Clemente: A Diamond Within” are currently available. Tickets are $21.50 for Students, $43.50 General admission and $41.50 for Seniors 65 and over. Group sales are available for groups of 10 or more. Tickets can be purchased at www.plowsharestheatre.org or by calling 313-744-3181.
“Roberto Clemente: A Diamond Within” dramatizes the life of baseball great Roberto Clemente, one of the few Latin athletes who recognized his African ancestry. From his origins in Puerto Rico to his lengthy professional career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Clemente advocated for the civil rights of Black and Latino individuals both in and outside of baseball. His life's motto was “Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world, and you don't, then you are wasting your time on Earth.”
The production features set design by Mike Collins, costume design by Amanda Marie, lighting design by Donald Fox and Charles Dolton, Jr. K. Zaheerah Sultan is the Production Stage Manager.
“Roberto Clemente: A Diamond Within” was commissioned by Plowshares Theatre Company as part of its Black Theatre, Latin Roots play development program. This pioneering initiative is specifically designed to identify and collaborate with Afro-Latino theatre artists to develop new plays that explore the rich tapestry of the Black and Latinx experience. The world premiere of Tirado's play is a significant milestone for this program, reaffirming Plowshares' mission to tell stories that affirm the legacy and lived experiences of Black communities across the diaspora.
BIOS
Elvis Nolasco (ROBERTO CLEMENTE) is an award-winning Afro-Latino actor of Dominican descent, known for his commanding presence and deeply human performances across film and television. He first garnered widespread acclaim for his breakout role in ABC's American Crime, where he appeared across two seasons as entirely different characters—demonstrating a rare versatility and establishing himself as a dynamic and emotionally grounded talent with a rare ability to bring authenticity and gravitas to complex characters.
Nolasco's career has been defined by collaborations with visionary filmmakers, most notably Spike Lee, beginning with his film debut in Clockers and continuing through The Sweet Blood of Jesus, Oldboy, and the Netflix television adaptation of She's Gotta Have It. His standout television work includes a powerful turn in Godfather of Harlem and his portrayal of Frederick Douglass in Apple TV+'s Manhunt, further highlighting his range and commitment to bringing both historical and cultural figures to life with nuance and depth.
He most recently starred as the titular character in Hulu's hit horror film Mr. Crocket, which debuted at #1 on the platform, marking a bold and transformative performance that expanded his creative footprint. He also delivered a memorable turn in HBO's Task opposite Mark Ruffalo. He also recently wrapped production on the indie feature Hurricane Seasons, appearing alongside Justina Machado and Aida Rodriguez in the Puerto Rico-shot dramedy. His additional television credits include David Makes Man, Claws, All American, Queen of the South, and The Equalizer. On the film side, his work includes Roxanne Roxanne and In Search of a Dream, one of the highest-grossing independent Latino films of its time.
Born and raised in New York, Nolasco approaches his craft with a deep sense of purpose, consistently seeking out stories that reflect truth, culture, and lived experience. Whether portraying real-life icons or original characters, he brings a magnetic intensity and emotional precision that continue to distinguish him as one of the most compelling actors of his generation.
Cándido Tirado (Playwright) is a highly acclaimed playwright, director, and producer whose impactful work has significantly enriched American theater, particularly for the Latinx community. Born and raised in the Bronx, his writing is deeply informed by his cultural background, frequently exploring identity, family, and the immigrant experience.
Tirado is an award-winning talent whose works have been produced nationally. His play "Fish Men," produced by The Goodman Theatre in collaboration with Teatro Vista, was nominated for four Jeff Awards and a Steinberg Award. His musical "La Canción," featuring music by hip-hop artist Vico C, premiered at Repertorio Español in NYC. His Off-Broadway credits include co-writing "Celia: The Life and Music of Celia Cruz,” which had a successful nine-month run and won an HOLA Award for Best Musical. Other notable productions include "Momma's Boyz," which the Huffington Post recognized as one of Chicago's Top Ten plays. An accomplished director, Tirado has directed more than 25 plays and co-wrote the award-winning short film "Getting to Heaven." As a staff writer for the TV show "Ghostwriter," he earned a Humanitas Award nomination. He is also a four-time winner of the New York Foundation For The Arts Playwriting Fellowship and was recently honored with a prestigious Prime Latino Media Lifetime Achievement Award. Committed to youth education, he co-founded "Educational Plays Production" with his wife, Carmen Rivera, and toured public schools with plays addressing social issues.
ABOUT PLOWSHARES THEATRE COMPANY
Plowshares Theatre Company (PTC) is recognized as Michigan's only professional African American theatre company. For more than 20 years, Plowshares has been the alternative voice in metro Detroit's performing arts community. A theatre that offers a true off-Broadway experience, with the kind of entertaining and diverse productions that have made it a favorite among discerning patrons. Plowshares is an urban theatre with a distinctly Detroit style. The name of the theatre company is synonymous with its mission: Plowshares is dedicated to “breaking new ground” by nurturing emerging talent, providing challenging opportunities to local artists, and presenting new plays.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets for “Roberto Clemente: A Diamond Within” are currently available. Tickets are $21.50 for Students, $43.50 General admission and $41.50 for Seniors 65 and over. Group sales are available for groups of 10 or more. Tickets can be purchased at www.plowsharestheatre.org or by calling 313-744-3181.
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