⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 stars
"Why a Black Woman Will Never Be Prime Minister," is a play set over a 9-month period fusing satire, spoken word, and narrative. It follows the story of a young Black women, Shanice Laybá (Zakiyyah Deen), navigating the world of university and politics.
This play is a sharp, hilarious, and thought-provoking exploration of race, gender, and power in modern Britain. Through witty dialogue and a dynamic performance, the show unpacks societal barriers facing Black women, highlighting systemic inequities that persist at every level, including politics and healthcare.
One of the show’s strongest elements is its deft balance of humour with hard-hitting truths. The comedic aspect invites laughter even as it confronts uncomfortable realities. The script’s biting satire shines a light on the lack of representation and the insurmountable hurdles Black women face in ascending to positions of power. While it is consistently funny, the show is also deeply poignant, offering moments of pause and reflection. This is a balance that comes naturally to Zakiyyah Deen through her superb acting, and she demonstrates huge potential - a star in the making.
An important aspect of the play is its focus on maternal health outcomes for Black women in the UK. The script cleverly weaves in real-world statistics, pointing out that Black women are four times more likely to die in childbirth than their white counterparts. This alarming fact is rightly addressed with a heavy hand, allowing the audience to very briefly see the real, human trauma and fear that Black women experience in healthcare, particularly maternal healthcare, that statistics alone cannot convey. This speaks to the excellent direction by Kelechi Okafor, which integrates seamlessly with the script and performances. Kelechi Okafor’s voice over also appears in the play, demonstrating that she’s also an excellent voice actor (another one of her many skills).
Overall, "Why a Black Woman Will Never Be Prime Minister" succeeds in using comedy to engage its audience while tackling critical issues that need more visibility and to be taken seriously. The direction allows these serious themes to be explored with authenticity, making for a compelling night of theatre that is both entertaining and educational.
A must watch!
Venue
Camden People's Theatre
58-60 Hampstead Road
London, NW1 2PY
Dates
Tue 22 Oct - Sat 9 Nov 2024
Running time
70 minutes
Price
Tickets £8 - £15 (+ booking fee) for most performances. Tickets from £5 on Sat 9 Nov 3pm
Booking
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