Review: Black Women Dating White Men - a candid exploration of interracial relationships
25/06/2020
There is a lot that is fabulous about Somebody Jones' verbatim play Black Women Dating White Men, one of which is that it works so well on Zoom.
Five black women, sometimes with a glass a wine in hand or in a dressing gown, come together lockdown-style for regular chats via Zoom during which they discuss and share their experiences of being in an interracial relationship.
The nature of Zoom means the characters are at home, while you are watching at home which makes for an intimate experience, it feels like you are part of the chat.
They talk about how their friends and family reacted when they first met their white boyfriends, how they are treated when out and the ups and downs of their relationship.
It's a candid discussion, relaxed and matter of fact, sometimes humourous but no less powerful in what it exposes.
Seen through the lens of an interracial relationship, racism and prejudice are exposed from many different sides. Some reactions are blatant, some more subtle showing the depth of the problems society needs to address.
When the women talk about their relationships it is about the challenges of educating their partners on white privilege and prejudice, helping them to see things they've never had to look for before.
Despite moments of weariness, the firm message is patience and honesty - and love, there is a lot of love otherwise why would they be in the relationship?
It is eye-opening.
Black Women Dating White Men is a piece that draws you in with its warm tone and relaxed, shared-experience style while sending a powerful message.
It's part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival and available to stream until July 12, for more details and to buy tickets ($5) head to the fringe website. It's 40 minutes long.
I'm giving it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
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