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New Diorama theatre, LondonRyan Calais Cameron’s exploration of race and masculinity is timely and has potent moments but this production feels underdevelopedBritish dramatist Ryan Calais Cameron’s play feels immensely timely in its exploration of Black masculinity, although it was conceived after the killing of Trayvon Martin in 2013. In it, six men with names that evoke blackness (Onyx, Pitch, Jet, etc) speak about how it feels to be young Black men today. Directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, it excavates their struggles and desires, combining monologues with repartee. Some of it is playful but it circles back to feelings of powerlessness, humiliation and suicidal depression, and is set against a hostile white gaze. Audience members are given self-care information on the way into the auditorium.Inspired by Ntozake Shange’s 1976’s work, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf, its script contains heartfelt revelations and urgent discussions on race and masculinity, so it is a great shame that it does not come together with any power as a production.At New Diorama theatre, London, until 6 November.In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org. Continue reading...