🎭 For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy
📍 Garrick Theatre, 2 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0HH
🗓 Monday 4th March 2024
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EMOTIONALLY POWERFUL
After a successful run at the Apollo Theatre last year For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy has made a triumphant return to the West End and is playing a limited run in its new home at the Garrick Theatre.
This play is utterly breathtaking as it takes you on an emotional rollercoaster that leaves you completely overwhelmed at its conclusion. One of the most important pieces of theatre I have seen in a long time, For Black Boys... is unapologetic as it speaks a truth unknown to many of us - teaching us important historical facts that mainstream schools never do.
To witness such an incredible piece of theatre is truly a humbling experience. As someone who spends a lot of time at the theatre it is rare for me to walk out in such a state of disbelief at what I had just sat through. Even as I'm writing this I am struggling to really comprehend my emotions.
The writing by Ryan Calais Cameron will empower so many people and gives much needed representation to the black community. Every single nuance of the script has obviously been rigorously chosen with utter intent and its power punches you in the stomach and takes your breath away.
I have rarely experienced something that has me genuinely laughing out loud one second before instantly bringing a tear to my eye as I become overwhelmed by emotion.
This play makes you sit up and pay attention and features a sensational ensemble cast. Tobi King Bakare, Shakeel Haakim, Fela Lufadeju, Albert Magashi, Mohammed Mansaray and Posi Morakinyo take us on both their individual and collective journeys through the piece and it is impossible to take your eyes off them.
There is a feeling of trust and camaraderie between the cast and the believability in their bond makes you forget you're watching something scripted.
This is an uncomfortable watch at times, and rightly so. It makes the audience look at themselves in a way I've never quite experienced. It makes you almost feel vulnerable, the way in which society has done to the black community for generations. This is all part of the genius construction of this phenomenal piece of theatre.
The play unashamedly looks at the important issue of men's mental health as well as others such as gang culture, racism, sexuality and more.
For Black Boys... is groundbreaking and deserves to receive a multitude of awards for what it manages to achieve. The use of lighting, music, movement and vocals all enhance the story and fill the space with a magnetic energy which is hard to deny.
For me this is absolutely the must-see show of the year. If you miss it you will truly be missing out on something special. Plays like this don't come along often so I implore you to book a ticket and experience the best British play in forever.
For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy plays at London's Garrick Theatre until 4th May 2024.
Neill Kovacic-Clarke
All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one reviewer.
CAST LIST:
Tobi King Bakare as Onyx; Shakeel Haakim as Pitch; Fela Lufadeju as Jet; Albert Magashi as Sable; Mohammed Mansaray as Obsidian; Posi Morakinyo as Midnight
RUNNING TIME (approx):
2 hours 35 minutes, including interval
CONTENT WARNINGS:
Adult themes and strong language; Violence, gang violence and toxic relationships; Forms of trauma including sexual abuse, child abuse, domestic violence and terminal illness; Themes of suicide and suicidal ideation; Use of derogatory language; Loud music, bright lights and haze