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A moving description of the challenges facing young Black men, told with energy and honesty.Summary
Rating
Excellent
Writer and Director Ryan Cameron’s For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy presents us with a group therapy session so that we may try to experience and understand the underpinning social issues that affect Black men. The show opens with a tableau reminiscent of the painting The Raft of the Medusa by Theodore Gericault. These boys certainly are adrift, all, in their own way, looking to be rescued.
For Black Boys…was inspired by Ntozake Shange’s For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf, and originally conceived by Cameron in the wake of the killing of Trayvon Martin in 2012. The play has been developed over the course of the last decade with young Black men and mental health groups, and this input is evident in its content and depth.
It could potentially be a hard watch, but for the clever use of humour, dance and music that takes us out of often harrowing descriptions of a Black boy’s life, then, having given us a chance to breathe, returns us to the room for the next tale. As, one by one, their stories unfold, with descriptions of domestic and sexual abuse and insecurities, the characters open their hearts to us and to each other. The cast, Tobi King Bakare, Shakeel Haakim, Fela Lufadeju, Albert Magashi, Mohammed Mansaray and Posi Morakinyo are brave actors. The content matter is difficult, and they take the audience on their journeys with honesty and a beautiful depth of emotion that is hard to achieve without digging deep into yourself.
Special mention must go to Theophilus O. Bailey for the exceptional choreography throughout the show. Via Anna Reid’s effectively minimal set (half a dozen chairs, two staircases and scaffolding combined with Rory Beaton’smagical lighting), we are moved from school playground to parties and church via the range of homes the boys come from.
Fathers play a significant role in their problems – generally through not being there for the child or, trying themselves to work out what their role as a father should be. The boys are at a turning point, recognising that what they have experienced from their fathers is not the way forward. This tipping point is clearly demonstrated by the material generated in Black History Week at school. Focusing on slavery, not achievement, it generates anger instead of empowerment; a lesson for all organisers of ‘educational’ materials.
Sex and sexuality also play a large part in the boys’ problems. To be macho and uncaring – not recognising that love is something to embrace, and which does not undermine their manliness – is a problem they wrestle with. Being Black and gay cannot be admitted to, but is driven into the darkness.
This run at the Garrick is not the first time For Black Boys… has been in the West End. In 2021 and then again in 2023 it was presented at the New Diorama, going on to the Royal Court and then to the Apollo and gathering Olivier Award nominations along the way for Best New Play and Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
For Black Boys…moves the audience to tears and laughter in equal measure and for those of us who are not Black, it provides an education that will inform our understanding and interactions forever. It’s what theatre was made for.
Written and Directed by: Ryan Calais Cameron
Movement Direction by: Theophilus O. Bailey
Design by: Anna Reid
Lighting Design by: Rory Beaton
For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy plays at Garrick Theatre until 4 May. Further information and bookings can be found here.
