Review: FOR BLACK BOYS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE WHEN THE HUE GETS TOO HEAVY, Apollo Theatre

Photo credit: Ali Wright

In the theatre industry, the idea of a “safe space” is a relatively new one - and a “brave space” even newer. It encapsulates the idea that everyone involved in a production has the right to feel safe expressing themselves in a given environment, and to feel empowered to make brave decisions that may challenge some, but it’s a challenge that will be met with open arms and support from those around you. No definition seems more fitting than this when discussing For Black Boys or, to give it’s full title which cannot be ignored, For Black Boys, Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy.

This is the third iteration of Ryan Calais Cameron’s immense odyssey covering the full spectrum of the masculine Black experience. Originating at the New Diorama, before a production at the Royal Court and now at the Apollo Theatre, the work done on this piece is more than evident, every word, every syllable has been considered. There is not one line here that is out of place.

The same can be said of the show’s direction, also by Cameron, which takes a series of explorations into different aspects of these men’s experiences and flies through them at the perfect pace for each. It’s purposefully stylised but still has just the right amount of room for intense character work. What is also so impressive about this piece is how it manages to whip from utterly devastating ideas to high comedy without questions from us as an audience. It just works.

This is also thanks to the central ensemble of six incredibly talented men. It’s often tempting for us as to single out performances in reviews such as this but in the case of For Black Boys, no one cast member is left behind. Each takes their moment in the spotlight and owns it in the knowledge that they are backed all the way by their peers. You’d be hard pressed to find more genuine chemistry within a group anywhere, let alone on a stage.

Their collective performance transcends theatre and goes beyond acting. Upon consideration of the content in this production, it is more than the sum of two and a half hours, it is the build up of generations of emotions over hundreds of years all exploding onto a stage as big as that of London’s West End for anyone to hear. To relate to, to listen to, to hear and be heard, to see and be seen by.

The creative aspects of this show are also superb, especially Rory Beaton’s calculated yet creative lighting design that moves perfectly with Theophilus O. Bailey’s slick movement direction. It allows the play to thrive and burst with the an energy that matches that of its cast.

This is what theatre can be; a new generation of West End show that gets us excited about the future. One that includes more shows like this that are unashamed to go where they need to, and for good reason as well.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Callum Wallace

For Black Boys, Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy plays at the Apollo Theatre until 7 May, with tickets available here.