Ryan Calais Cameron's For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy, inspired by Ntozake Shange's classic for colored girls who have considered suicide/ when the rainbow is enuf returns to the West End beginning February 29.
The play, which has previously enjoyed three sold-out runs, will play a nine-week limited engagement at London's Garrick Theatre..
The work spotlights six young Black men who meet for group therapy and let their hearts and imaginations run wild. Originally conceived by Cameron following the murder of Trayvon Martin, the piece—"located on the threshold of joyful fantasy and brutal reality"—has been developed over the last decade with young Black men and mental health groups.
The return engagement stars Tobi King Bakare, Shakeel Haakim, Fela Lufadeju, Albert Magashi, Mohammed Mansaray, and Posi Morakinyo.
Said Cameron in a previous statement, "I am thrilled by the prospect of For Black Boys… gracing the stage once more, delivering a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that has deeply resonated with both audiences and critics. It is truly humbling to witness how this production has also propelled the careers of the first remarkable actors who breathed life into these characters. Observing their excellence on renowned stages and in high-profile projects is a source of immense pride.
The production features set and costume design by Anna Reid, lighting design by Rory Beaton, additional music and sound design by Nicola T Chang, movement direction by Theophilus O. Bailey, and musical direction by John Pfumojena.
For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy was originally commissioned by New Diorama Theatre and co-commissioned by Boundless Theatre.