Ryan Calais Cameron's Olivier nominated 'For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy' has announced a new cast for its upcoming return to London's West End. The play centers around six young Black men who come together for group therapy, allowing their emotions and creativity to flow freely.
The roles of Onyx, Pitch, Jet, Sable, Obsidian, and Midnight will be portrayed by Tobi King Bakare ('I May Destroy You'), Shakeel Haakim in his professional debut, Fela Lufadeju ('Santiago'), Albert Magashi ('Dear England'), Mohammed Mansaray ('Gassed Up'), and Posi Morakinyo ('Mandela') respectively.
Inspired by Ntozake Shange's influential 1976 work 'For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf,' Cameron originally conceived the play in response to the tragic death of Trayvon Martin in 2012. Over the past decade, the production has been refined in collaboration with young Black men and mental health organizations. Cameron will serve as the director for the new staging.
The production features movement direction and choreography by Theophilus O. Bailey, musical direction and vocal arrangement by John Pfumojena, and sound design and composition by Nicola T. Chang. Set and costume design are by Anna Reid, lighting design by Rory Beaton, and Tatenda Shamiso as associate director. Casting is overseen by Isabella Odoffin.
'For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy' received two nominations at the 2023 Olivier Awards and enjoyed sold-out runs at the New Diorama Theatre, Royal Court Theatre, and Apollo Theatre. The new production is scheduled for a nine-week engagement at London's Garrick Theatre starting on Feb. 29.
Cameron expressed excitement about the fresh energy and talent the new cast will bring to the production, confident that their interpretation will invigorate the narrative. Producer and theater owner Nica Burns highlighted the play's success in drawing diverse audiences to the West End and announced the return of 'For Black Boys' to the Garrick Theatre with an entirely new cast.
The play's original commissioner at the New Diorama, David Byrne, now the artistic director of the Royal Court Theatre, is producing the play once again. The production promises to deliver a powerful and thought-provoking experience for theatergoers.
Image: Top Row: Albert Magashi, Mohammed Mansaray, Fela Lufadeju. Bottom Row: Posi Morakinyo, Shakeel Haakim, and Tobi King Bakare.
