"Up Against the Wind": Play About Tupac Premieres in New York

Tupac’s final years have become material for the theater. On Monday, April 9, 2001, the play “Up Against the Wind” premiered in New York. It was staged at the New York Theatre Workshop, written by Michael Develle.

From the Charges to Las Vegas

The two acts open with the New York trial against Tupac for sexual abuse and end after the fatal shooting in Las Vegas. To ensure the portrayal was accurate, Tupac’s sister Sekyiwa Shakur advised the production. Actress Hazelle Goodman played his mother.

Afeni Shakur was in the audience herself and, according to the report by AllHipHop, fought back tears at times. Members of the Outlawz also attended the premiere. E.D.I. said of Tupac that he was “a born star.”

The premiere fell during the week in which Tupac’s double album Until the End of Time topped the US charts.