Black Theatre Review: random by debbie tucker green
Seroca Davis (c) Johan Persson
Having previously seen random when it was first performed at the Royal Court in March 2008, I was a little apprehensive that this revived production could once again not just hit the mark, but totally obliterate it – however my misplaced concerns were completely unfounded.
Told using only one female black actress, it illustrates the story of a familiar Black Caribbean family (Mum, Dad, Son and Daughter) as we are given a glimpse into each of their lives during what appears to be a typical, uneventful day. Daughter begrudgingly makes her way to the job she hates where she is surrounded by people she really can’t stand, Dad spends the day in bed after working another night shift, Mum tidies up while thinking about what to make for dinner and Junior arrives late, yet again, to another day at school. But their peaceful existence is soon shattered when their one and only son is stabbed to death.
The brilliance of the piece lies first of all with debbie tucker green, who has written an engaging and moving script that contains both laugh-out-loud comical moments and heartfelt silence using her trademark quick- paced, rhythmic dialogue. Her creation of authentic and recognisable characters is also first class and I can not only hear Mum and Dad speaking long after I’ve left the theatre but also see them, on Harlesden High Street on any given Saturday morning.
Next on the list of worthy accolades is director Sacha Wares who has crafted a piece of drama that holds your attention from start till end – despite there being no change in set, costume, props or even actress. I have never been a fan of the ‘One Man Show’ as I cannot fathom how an individual can hold my attention for any period of time longer than 15 minutes. But random is a definite exception to the rule and running at just under 1 hour it packs a lot into a short space of time.
Actress Seroca Davis had big shoes to fill after Nadine Marshall gave a phenomenal performance in the original 2008 production. But the talented young actress unquestionably held her own and while she didn’t surpass Ms Marshall she matched her performance in the portrayal of a multitude of different characters. My particular favourite is when she played Mum; crossing her arms, pointing her finger and kissing her teeth to resemble the beloved image of many a Afro-Caribbean homes.
While random tackles the now common place theme of gun and knife crime it does so in a refreshing and enlightening way; seeking to highlight the affects of such violence on the families left behind and the relaxed and informal venue (we are made to feel like we are in a living room) at Elephant and Castle shopping centre suits the piece perfectly. This is definitely one to catch before it embarks in its UK wide tour.
random
By debbie tucker green
Directed by Sacha Wares
Cast: Seroca Davis
Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre: 3rd March – 27th March 2010. Find more info on the Royal Court Theatre website
I saw Random last night at the Bristol Old Vic. I was blown away by its sheer beauty; the gorgeous dialects that made the language of the play sing in my ears on the bus home. I’m still reeling from its impact. We would have given the actor a standing ovation if only she hadn’t left the stage so quickly!
Deft performance as the actor interweaves a tightly written beautifully poetic script to tell a harrowing story of the murder of a brother/son. Echoes of the Stephen Lawrence were everywhere in this piece. What we aren’t told, is as important as what we learn. It’s a genius piece of theatre; an absolute gift for any actor to perform. Thank goodness for writing like this – the writer should be commissioned by every major theatre going.