Christopher Walker reviews BLACK SUPERHERO
The Royal Court Theatre describes itself as “the writers theatre,” and a “leading force” for “cultivating and supporting writers” whether undiscovered, emerging, or established. It aims to reach out to different voices and opinions.
Danny Lee Wynter is one such writer, who is a very valid witness to what it is like to live as a gay black man in London today.
He is very much an activist and the founder of ‘Act for Change,’ a campaign group that helps change representation across the arts.
Perhaps in consequence there are some moments in this, his debut play, when the audience might feel that it is being lectured.
Note the title all in CAPS.
But fortunately this is well hidden by the quality of the writing and a good sprinkling of Beyoncé lyrics.
This is a very personal story, Wynter describes as “a play about desire and wanting to be rescued.”
It is also very psychological, perhaps influenced by “The Velvet Rage” which describes the frustration of many gay men.
The central character, David, played by the author, is a likeable misfit.
He compares himself to Hermione in Harry Potter, but he’s actually a bit more like Bridget Jones.
He bemoans “No one. No Dark Knight in shinin’ armour. Went through all my twenties thinkin’ “don’t worry he’ll come.” Well, I’m almost forty now, and he still hasn’t, has he?”
David falls for an actor playing a superhero, (Dyllon Burnside with the body for it).
As with many ‘lookers’ he’s a narcissistic fraud, and we all know this isn’t going to end well.
David’s sister Syd played by Rochenda Sandall steals the show, while giving a running straight commentary on the many sexual goings on (this is not a play for the timid).
There are very good cameos by Ako Mitchell as a creepy Harvey Weinstein type producer/director, and Eloka Ivo as the well-built Raheem.
Ben Allen and Dominic Holmes play the lesser white characters.
Joanna Scotcher’s set and Ryan Day’s lighting are outstanding.
Wynter has enormous potential, an accomplished handler of dialogue and comedy.
https://royalcourttheatre.com/whats-on/black-superhero/
Picture: BLACK SUPERHERO – Danny Lee Wynter, Rochenda Sandall, The Royal Court Theatre, Credit: Johan Persson/
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