For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy by Ryan Calais Cameron is a powerful, overwhelming and utterly entrancing piece where a group of individuals recall to their past as a way to understand each other and eventually succumb to the help they need and deserve although never being able to ask for. My only warning from Twitter was to take tissues and I pass that on as the topics discussed here are so painfully important and unfortunately not discussed enough in our theatres today. This piece was a privilege to watch but I would also describe it as one of the most essential pieces I have ever watched in my life.
The company started their journey with this piece at the New Diorama, which created such a stir and therefore was commissioned for Royal Court. They have such power on stage individually but create waves as a company. Each character breathes so much energy that each one is entrancing to watch at all times. Not only are they vulnerable around us but also truthful, confident and absolutely hilarious each in their own right.
Behind them lays saturated colour block pattern, sharp lines and a light show that was so impressively on point. You truly cannot fault it. Paired with this was incredible choreography, it was magical- so perfectly rehearsed but yet so free that it’s believable this is the first and only time they’ve told this story.
The topic of this piece is vital to speak about and it really was a privilege to see it, but I really want this playing in every theatre there is in the country right now- it’s so special and has the most heart, love and passion that I’ve seen in theatre in such a long time. The reach that this piece has for this community who do have struggles to speak out about their mental health is so powerful, I hope this gets the recognition and outreach it deserves.
Please if you see one thing this year, let it be this. And absolutely bring tissues.
Playing until 30 April, https://royalcourttheatre.com/whats-on/for-black-boys-who-have-considered-suicide-when-the-hue-gets-too-heavy/
Reviewer: Alice Rose
Reviewed: 8th April 2022
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★