For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy
New Diorama
London NW1

RYAN CALAIS CAMERON’S very timely For Young Black Men... although developed following the killing of Trayvon Martin in 2013, had its world premiere at London’s New Diorama theatre days after the world marked Mental Health Awareness Day this year.

The play, as its title suggests, addresses the sometimes severe mental health effects of the stigmas and stereotypes that surround black men. But, although race and identity are far from original themes, this play is anything but predictable.

Six young black men come together for a group therapy session, exploring their lives, loves, upbringing and plans. The results, through monologue, banter and song, are sobering, powerful and even uplifting at times.

However, in a play that does so well to explore different male voices it’s hard to escape the fact that it focuses heavily on heterosexual men and disappointingly hasn’t given much of a space to black gay men.

Jet (an exceptionally talented Nnabiko Ejimofor) hints at a gay relationship when he speaks of his own love, without delving into too much detail, wistfully stating allowed: “And I thank you for the dances that you taught me, especially the darkest ones, the ones that nobody else would ever know about.”

A beautiful piece of writing but yet it would’ve been good to have heard more from the only queer voice in what is ultimately a very heterosexual production.

The acting, all round, is superb. For half of them — Ejimofor, Darragh Hand (Sable), Kaine Lawrence (Midnight) — this play is their professional debut, which seems remarkable considering how confident and comfortable they are as performers.  

Anna Reid’s set design is bright and playful, the colourful setting neatly juxtaposes with the darker and more intense moments during the production.

This is an urgent, funny, sad and ultimately enjoyable play. See it if you can — really.

Runs until November 6. Box office (020) 7383-9034, newdiorama.com.