I was more than a little excited when the London production of Jeremy O Harris’ Slave Play was announced, after hearing about the New York production and its reception. This is a play intended to make people think, and it is not easy viewing at times.
Don’t worry - I won’t give much away. Only to say that it is a searing commentary on racism in today’s society, in the context of all that came before (thanks Kamala). The play itself is structurally the love child of Caryl Churchill’s Top Girls and Jean Genet’s Le Balcon (in all the right ways). It is delightfully confusing at first, then as it explains itself it challenges the viewer to examine their confusion and feelings on the earlier pieces. It is searing and raw.
This production’s cast are exquisite - every performance as exceptional as the next, a true ensemble. This is essential viewing - please, please go. Maybe you’ll be like half my row who walked out? Honestly, goals.