Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
If you are looking for a powerful and poignant theatrical experience, look no further than For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy, the award-winning play by Ryan Calais Cameron that is returning to the West End next year for a limited nine-week run at the Garrick Theatre.
The play, which was nominated for Best New Play and Best Supporting Actor at the 2023 Olivier Awards, has been hailed by critics and audiences alike as a groundbreaking and compelling exploration of black masculinity and identity. Inspired by Ntozake Shange’s influential work, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When The Rainbow Is Enuf, the play uses music, movement, storytelling, and verse to portray the lives, dreams, and struggles of six young black men who meet for group therapy.
The play has already enjoyed three sold-out runs at the New Diorama Theatre, the Royal Court Theatre, and the Apollo Theatre, attracting the attention and praise of celebrities such as John Boyega, Daniel Kaluuya, Stormzy, and Letitia Wright. The play has also been praised for its innovative and diverse cast and creative team, which includes writer and director Ryan Calais Cameron, original director Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, set and costume designer Anna Reid, lighting designer Rory Beaton, sound designer and composer Nicola T Chang, movement director Theophilus O. Bailey, musical director and vocal arranger John Pfumojena, and casting director Isabella Odoffin.
The play is not only a stunning artistic achievement, but also a timely and relevant social commentary on the issues that affect black communities today, such as racism, violence, mental health, and self-love. The play is a celebration of black culture and history, as well as a challenge to the stereotypes and prejudices that black men face in society. The play is also a testament to the resilience and creativity of black artists, who have overcome the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the lack of representation and funding in the theatre industry.
For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy is a play that you don’t want to miss. It is a rare and remarkable opportunity to witness a story that is rarely told on stage, and to support a talented and diverse group of artists who are making a difference in the world of theatre and beyond. The play will run at the Garrick Theatre from 29 February 2024 through 4 May 2024, but tickets are expected to sell out fast.
