Review of 'He's Not Black'

'He's Not Black'
Written and Directed by: Chima Nsoedo
London Festival Fringe
The White Bear Theatre Club, Kennington
23/08/2010 & 29/08/2010


London Festival Fringe – The White Bear Theatre Club – 23 & 29 Aug – 19:30 (1:45)


It’s New Years Eve 2008, Barack Obama is about to be sworn in as the first black president of the United States, and four friends are out celebrating the holiday in style at a local night club. For Jeremy (James Hamilton), a notorious drug dealer, it’s a chance for one more night of freedom. In forty-eight hours, he will stand trial for possession of drugs with intent to sell, after having been handed in to the police by his best friend Leon (Wayne Joseph). It’s also Jeremy’s opportunity to keep an eye on Leon’s movements. Leon owes Jeremy a favour for his role in a previous crime, and Jeremy has convinced him to lie under oath on his behalf. For Jennifer (Catherine Ashton) and Olivia (Teraiś Latore), wealth management advisors from the City, it’s a chance to drown their sorrows on the brink of financial and professional disaster. As the evening wears on and the drugs and alcohol flow freely, the group discuss the effect that their race, gender, and class have had on their lives. If a black man can become President of the United States, reasons Leon, then anything is possible. ‘He’s not even black’, muse the others in turn, sparking a debate on what it is that defines race in modern Britain.


Set and costume design are appropriate for the piece. Olivia’s red mini dress, gold shoes and belt, together with Jennifer’s black jumpsuit and accessories lend to the party atmosphere, as does the addition of the roped-off VIP area. However, sound design detracts from the action.
Although ‘He’s Not Black’ is set in a night club, it is not necessary for dance music to be played continuously as a reinforcement of this setting. Instead, it makes it difficult to concentrate on the script. Likewise, the sound is used too often to stress the mood, when the acting and script should be sufficient. Employing the use of fade in and out would have been better.


The cast of ‘He’s Not Black’ work well together as a company and are fully committed to their roles. Wayne Joseph, in particular, turns in an emotional performance which captures well his character’s inner turmoil. But the script and direction by Chima Nsoedo need more work. At an hour and forty-five minutes in length without an interval, the play is too long with repetitive themes, and it fails to hold attention until the end. Although a great deal is being said about race, the majority of it is clichéd without new insight. There’s a mixed race woman struggling with her identity, a black woman trying to find her place in a predominantly white industry, a black man dealing drugs because he can’t find a better way to get himself out of poverty, and a young black man trying to better his situation at any cost. These are familiar character types, and despite numerous plot twists and turns, their actions are highly predictable. The characters presented are also not written as sympathetic, and because of this it’s difficult to maintain interest in their predicaments.


Additionally, some of the humour borders on offensive and ‘He’s Not Black’ is therefore not recommended for the faint of heart. Jeremy states, at one point, that when he ‘fu*ks white women, he gives it to them hard to get back at them for slavery’. Lines like this are uncomfortable, but if they are necessary within the greater framework and message of the play, they can be justified. As written, they seem to serve no purpose other than shock value.


Cast Credits: Catherine Ashton – Jennifer. James Hamilton – Jeremy. Wayne Joseph – Leon. Teraiś Latore – Olivia.


Company Credits: Writer/ Director/ Producer – Chima Nsoedo. Production Designer – Laurence Webb. Lighting/ Stage Management – Ross Pomfret. Sound Engineer – Daniel Vieco. Producer – James Hamilton. Producer/ Assistant Director – Fiona Bines. Assistant Director – Diana Mumbi.


Playing August 23rd and 29th at the White Bear Theatre Club in Kennington. Review written by Megan Hunter for Fringe Report: http://www.fringereport.wordpress.com/. Reviewed on August 23rd, 2010. (c) Megan Hunter 2010.

In Praise of New York

Honoré de Balzac, the 19th century French novelist and playwright, once wrote that art was ‘nature concentrated.’ Van Gogh promised that a love of nature was the only ‘true way to understand art.’ And Rembrandt famously recommended that nature should be our only master.

I spent seven wonderful years living in New York, the foremost altar to humankind’s ability to create. The city’s sharp lines and hard edges speak to something in stark contrast to Rembrandt’s ‘master’; it is the ultimate example of the civilized industrial spirit. My time there was also some of my most defining, at once inspiring and overwhelming, and each moment spent surrounded by concrete was a reminder of how incredibly lucky I was to be living in the place of my childhood fantasies. It is also impossible to escape the infectious buzz of Manhattan once you have been immersed in it. Even now, after a year spent away, I can sometimes feel its energy coursing through me, and there are nights when I wake up with a gasp after a particularly vivid dream and sit awake in the cool darkness of our bedroom, longing for home.


In the final days before my departure, I ran frantically through the streets taking hurried pictures of my city. After my time at work had wrapped up and there was nothing remaining in our apartment except for a few bulging suitcases, the only thing left for me to do was say my goodbyes. With my camera in one hand and a scribbled piece of notebook paper in the other, I retraced my steps: from my first tentative days spent in student accommodation (a grand old hotel in the heart of midtown), to the site of my wedding (a grand old penthouse in the heart of Wall Street), I rushed to capture each memory feeling that if I did not preserve it for myself, it may disappear. By making a project out of something that should have been cathartic, I was distancing myself from the overwhelming sense of loss that was settling in. And looking back at these photographs now, I realise that they capture my mood upon leaving, but little else. New York looks cold, angular, and grey. These are architectural shots, a documentary of my movements through time, but they feel impersonal and distant. In my memory, it was nothing like this; there it was, and always will be, in Technicolor.

As I begin to settle into my new life in London, a fascination has gripped me and for the first time in my adult life I am able to fully appreciate de Balzac’s sentiment. There is individuality to Greenwich Village, but the rush of the city pales in comparison to the perfect solitude of a well manicured garden. London, to its credit, is an undeniably green city, placing an extraordinary amount of importance on the seamless blend of urban and nature. Within walking distance of our central London flat are no fewer than 3 parks, 2 public gardens, and a forest. Streets here are leafy in a way that makes ‘A Tree Grows in Brooklyn’ seem like a delightful afterthought.
Rembrandt and Van Gogh were obviously masters of the canvas. And with one look at their subject matter, it’s easy to see why they were so fascinated by it. These glimpses of nature are, perhaps, more subtle and fragile in their power than a towering art-deco facade but their appeal is also, arguably, more timeless and universal.

If the time ever comes when I leave London, I hope that it will be just as bitter sweet for me as it was leaving New York. This is our home now, at least for the moment, and while it may not yet have the memories, it certainly has the Technicolor.

Text and photographs by Megan Hunter for Fringe Report: http://www.fringereport.wordpress.com/. (c) Megan Hunter 2010

Book Review- 'One Day' by David Nicholls

‘Have you read it yet? You have to read it!’


My friends and co-workers had been pestering me to no end. Apparently ‘One Day’ was the book of the summer, and it certainly seemed that way. Glowing reviews of it were published on billboards and in tube stations, with accolades from Nick Hornby, Tony Parsons, and ‘The Guardian’. Twenty-something commuters clutched it to their chests like a sort of manifesto, engrossed and oblivious to everything else. So I stalled.


There’s a part of my nature which abhors mass popular culture. It’s a remnant from my petulant teen years that I still struggle to shake. I haven’t listened to the radio for the better part of a decade. I’ve never owned a ‘Girls Aloud’ album, and the minute my favourite band sells out the O2 I know it’s all over for me. I’ve never read ‘The Da Vinci Code’, ‘The Secret’, or any of the ‘Harry Potter’ books. I don’t watch ‘East Enders’.


Now, I’m not particularly proud of myself, as I’m sure that I’m missing out on lots of enjoyable, entertaining things simply because I can’t relax, get past my snobbery, and let myself appreciate them. Still, when I saw how much everyone loved ‘One Day’, it put me off in a massive way. I came up with excuses not to read it. I spent a week forgetting to put it in my work bag. I got caught up reading Kristen Reed’s ‘The Ice Age’ instead (which, as it happens, was worth neither the time nor the money spent special ordering it). Finally, the nagging from people whose opinions I respect cracked me. I caved in and started reading it.


I was immediately hooked. For anyone who was as put off by the hype as I was, all I can say is this: don’t be. This is one of those rare occurrences where the object of excessive praise is actually thoroughly deserving of it. ‘One Day’ engrossed me, left me oblivious to everything else. I started pestering my friends and co-workers to read it. I read when I should have been sleeping, daydreamed about reading while I was at work, and kept missing my stop on the tube.


I’m reticent to say too much about the plot, as I don’t want to give anything away that would spoil the enjoyment of discovering this very special book for the first time. What I will mention are the things David Nicholls has done exceptionally well. The use of humour, for a start, is spot on. Ironic observations about life, popular culture references from the past twenty years, and gentle sarcasm left me smiling with each page turn. The characters are also extremely human. They have flaws, sometimes painfully so, but they are endearing in a way that leaves you recognising bits of yourself in them. I identified so much with the character of Emma that I actually wondered whether the author had been hiding cameras around my flat.


Most crucially, though, are the relationships ‘One Day’ creates. This is not a stereotypical, cookie-cutter romance. Emma and Dexter seem to loathe and annoy as much as they love and respect each other. In short, theirs is a story that you will relate to, fall in love with, and which will leave you longing for more when it’s done.


Written by Megan Hunter for Fringe Report: http://www.fringereport.wordpress.com/. (c) Megan Hunter 2010

Top Three Fashion Finds

With summer finally here, I thought I’d share my ‘Top Three Fashion Finds’ for this season. When it comes to fashion, I stand by the rule that that there are no set rules. If you feel comfortable and confident with yourself and how you look, you’ve already won. And if you can help to bring that comfort and confidence to others, even better! With that in mind, I also think we have an obligation to share our best finds. Here are mine:

• Mineral Makeup- A few weeks ago, I accompanied a friend to a complementary spa day and makeover. It was meant to be a glamorous experience, where professional beauty experts would work their elusive brand of magic and we would emerge butterfly-like from our cocoons as ‘new women’. But as the day wore on, I found myself growing itchy and uncomfortable thanks to the pounds of makeup that had been caked onto my skin. At the first opportunity, I snuck away and furiously scrubbed it all off. It got me to thinking, though: isn’t it a strange concept of beauty, to hide ourselves away behind a thick mask of pore-clogging chemicals?
  Now, I never thought that I’d be one to shun traditional cosmetics such as Yves Saint Laurent or Dior in favour of their greener counterparts. After all, I had a part-time job during art school at Sephora, the stateside Mecca of cosmetics junkies everywhere. I have a perhaps too fond memory of the first time I purchased the perfect shade of red Chanel lipstick. Still, there is something uniquely satisfying about putting cosmetics on your skin that are actually good for it. And it is particularly during the summer, when traditional makeup melts away faster than the Wicked Witch of the West in ‘The Wizard of Oz’, that all-natural makeup really holds its own.
  Mineral makeup gives exceptional coverage, while still allowing your skin to breath and be seen. More amazingly, you genuinely can’t feel it at all. Sometimes I will actually forget whether I’m wearing it until I catch site of myself in a mirror and notice the airbrushed effect.
  Furthermore, Its natural mineral content provides substantial protection from the damaging effects of the sun, and preventing wrinkles is a whole lot easier than trying to treat them. Finally, it’s good for sensitive and problematic skin (I should know, as I’ve been blessed with both). I use Lily Lolo, for their competitve prices and very generous sample sizes. I’m also happy knowing that I’m supporting an independent, local business. http://www.lilylolo.co.uk/

• 
  
  ‘Spare Pear’ Ballet Flats- One of the best things about summer, in my opinion, is the shoes. Delicious wedges, strappy sandals, kitten heels, and towering platforms are everywhere. Buying shoes is a bit like my Everest: the journey is endless, there are countless factors to take into consideration, and there are many points where I seriously consider giving up. But every year, I eventually find the perfect pair, the kind that insights waves of envy in friends and strangers alike. On my commute to work, I catch the lusty gazes of other women as they try to determine where I bought them, and try to pluck up the courage to ask.
  Inevitably, they also turn out to be highly impractical creations; devices of complete and unimaginable torture. Far from coveting glances, I hobble home at the end of the day to looks of total pity. My poor feet bleeding and covered in plasters, I curse the very moment I laid eyes on the beautiful, wretched, agonizing things. Usually, I end up buying some cheap, ugly, even more uncomfortable flip-flops to wear for the rest of the way and then promptly throwing the whole lot into the bin.
  It’s after a lifetime of such crises that I have discovered salvation. ‘Spare Pear’ is a totally ingenious American brand which creates rollable ballet flats compact enough to fit into even the smallest cluch. They also come inside a lovely cloth bag which is perfect for toting the monstrosities which landed you in this horrible mess to begin with. At the dirt-cheap price of only $22.50 US, and with reasonable rates on international shipping, you will look stylish and clever. So clever, in fact, that no one will suspect how much money you wasted on utterly useless shoes. http://www.sparepear.com/
• Liberty for Target Dresses- The last time I was in the States, I stopped by the middle-class, middle-America institution that is ‘Target’. Much to my delight, I found that they were featuring, for a limited time, design specialties from Liberty of London. I love Liberty, love wandering through their gorgeous store on Great Marlborough street and taking in the array of colours, fabrics, and scents. Liberty is a bit like a fashion museum, though. While I thoroughly enjoy looking at the collection of Monets in the National Gallery, I have no intention of buying one myself. So, too, it is with Liberty. Even if I had a spare £1,000.00 in the bank (which I definitely don’t), I doubt I could convince myself to spend it on just one dress.
  When I realised, then, that these gorgeous Liberty for Target concoctions were only $30.00 US a pop, I couldn’t resist. I snapped up as many as I could cram into my suitcase and then threw in some sumptuous cropped cardigans as well, just for good measure. I’ve been wearing them obsessively ever since. My favorite is an A-lined, knee length, tiered dress in their Isis patern (a gorgeous array of burgandy, teal, and lemongrass peacock feathers on a dark green background). I wear it with a lime green, cropped, ¾ length cardigan and chocolate, leather platforms. Then I walk up and down Great Marlborough street and chuckle to myself at my own good fortune/ dumb luck. Liberty is currently stocking a selection from their Target collection in store and on line, but at greatly inflated prices. Still, it’s makes for a substantial bargain if you consider what these things normally retail for. Better still, pop in for colour and pattern inspiration, and then hit the high street instead. http://www.liberty.co.uk/

Written by Megan Hunter for Fringe Report: http://www.fringereport.wordpress.com/. (c) Megan Hunter 2010.

Vegetarian Cuban-Style Black Beans and Rice Recipe

Arroz y Frijoles. Gallo Pinto. Hoppin’ John. Whatever name they go by, Beans and Rice are a staple meal throughout Latin America, the Carribean, and many parts of the United States. It’s easy to see why: this is a meal which is ridiculously inexpensive, easy, and tasty. The ultimate comfort food, it’s the perfect way to warm your belly on a chilly winter night. And as a further benefit to my fellow veggies, the combination of beans and rice provides a source of complete protein, as well as a favourable dose of Iron and Vitamin B.


There are countless ways to prepare this dish, but I like to use a variation on the Cuban method. The Cubans call their dish Platillo Moros y Cristianos and generally add black beans to a simmering and richly flavoured sofrito, or base, and serve over piping hot white rice. Sofrito is traditionally made with lard and often has a touch of bacon or ham added in, but don’t worry as the recipe below is suitable for vegetarians (vegans, hold off on the cheese or buy a vegan version and you can also enjoy!).

Ingredients:
1 large onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, crushed
2 bell peppers, finely chopped
410 grams of chopped tomatoes with chilli (or roughly 1 tin)
2 heaping tablespoons of concentrated tomato puree
pinch of salt
pinch of sugar
dash of pepper
dash of cayenne pepper
dash of turmeric
1 tsp hot chilli pepper
1 tsp paprika
800 grams of black beans (or roughly 2 tins, or 4 cups cooked)
hot sauce of your choice (Cholula is highly recommended if you can find it!)
water
crumbled queso blanco or shredded mature cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions:
Preheat oil in a large frying pan, and sauté onions, peppers, and garlic for several minutes until the onions are transparent. Stir in chopped tomatoes, adding in tomato puree to thicken. Continue stirring in spices, sugar, salt, pepper, and 5-6 tablespoons of water over low heat. Simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, or until mixture has reduced and thickened but taking care that it does not burn or dry out. This base is your ‘sofrito’.
After the mixture has simmered, add in black beans, 1/8 cup of water, and a few dashes of hot sauce, and continue cooking on low/medium heat for an additional 5-10 minutes or until it is heated throughout. Serve over a bead of steamed white rice, with grated cheese and hot sauce on the side. Serves 4.


Written by Megan Hunter for Fringe Report: http://www.fringereport.wordpress.com/. (c) Megan Hunter 2010.