From
BLACKTA
by Nathaniel Martello-White
Blackta premiered at the Young Vic Theatre in London on 26 October 2012, directed by David Lan (Artistic Director of the Young Vic), with the following cast: Anthony Walsh (Brown), Javone Prince (Dull Brown), Daniel Francis (Black), Howard Charles (Yellow), Leo Wringer (Older Black) and Michael Oku (Younger Black).
Blackta explores the lack of roles for Black British actors in London. The play takes place in a surreal audition room as six black actors of varying complexions all compete for their big break, ‘the greenest of green light’. As the play unfolds, the competitiveness between the men is pushed to the limit which ultimately leads to conflict, insecurity and depression.
About the Playwright
British actor-turned-writer Nathaniel Martello-White was born in London and trained at RADA in London. Martello-White is a very talented actor, best known for his performance in Brother Size by Tarell Alvin McCraney, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone by August Wilson and Oxford Street at the Royal Court Theatre. Blackta is Nathaniel’s first stage play.
Summary (Extract)
BROWN is described in the play as ‘a radical’. He believes that he has created ‘the thing’, an alternative approach to achieving success. At this point in the play, Black feels beaten by the audition process; he has not succeeded in getting any green lights. Brown attempts to get Black to see the bigger picture.
BROWN stands making coffee. BLACK sits dishevelled and covered in a blanket.
You see…that’s been your problem…from the start… everywhere you go, you make enemies, an’ I think, well you’re intelligent, articulate, why the fuck can’t this guy take a break? You know? Why doesn’t he get, that if history has taught us anything, it’s that great men, always had a team of people who respected them, men who were so inspired by this great man, that when they woke from slumber, they would think – how would black brush his teeth? What does black eat for breakfast? Man, how is black? Does he need anything? Man, I wish I waz like black, I wish I waz black, I hope he’s ok… Then all of a sudden, you got all this positivity, being pumped into the universe, like a protective force field, even God thinks – I want this guy to do well! Let me give him what he needs to achieve his dream, a good woman, good luck, good health, I mean black man - come on...that’s how you make it. That’s how you get the greenest of ever green lights – every time! Do you take sugar in your tea?
…
Right, you see, you and yellow have the same problem, you’re like these two big grunting ogres, who trudge about the place, expecting respect, now that’s not how you get respect…you know that! I mean you earn respect man...take the three of us, you me and yellow…between the three of us, the things we’ve done – we’re powerful man, damn look all the things we’ve done. Now, I’m not saying we should become one! I’m not saying we should mix, brown, black and yellow. I’m just saying that, all the while we’re waiting for them, them Oxford, Cambridge motherfuckers to huddle together – to huddle together and in between mocking us, decide which shade of black, is next in line, if any? Now you wanna live like that? That’s why you’re depressed man! Sitting in limbo – still waiting for the white man, to say, ‘you boy are head nigga in charge!’ Fuck that man, fuck that, fuck thaaaat! I’m building a thing! So powerful! Made up of every shade of black, a self running, independent thing, for us, 4 us, run by me, driven by me – an army! An army, that will once and for all, free us from the white take…on black. No more! No more fucking green light man, no more black cattle, no more black sheep, herds of sheep man, herds of white sheep! Wid black sheppards!