On LoveLondonLoveCulture, Emma Clarendon rounds up the reviews for Chinonyerem Odimba’s Black Love, which finishes its limited season at north London’s Kiln Theatre in Kilburn on 23 April 2022.
Broadway World: **** “Here, Odimba (who also directs) makes us stop and reflect on what is said about Black women, and what can really feel like home. Co-produced with Paines Plough and tiata fahodzi, Black Love is a true celebration of life and love.”
London Theatre1: **** “For the most part, this production is riveting, challenging as much as it is celebratory.”
The Guardian: **** “The most powerful moments come when we hear the words of real people, played over Kieran Lucas’s eerie soundscape, who explain what Black love means to them. It is a powerful reminder of everyday Black existence; at times focusing on unfairness but mainly joyful.”
Theatre Full Stop: “There are some really catchy songs in the line up which are delivered in an old-school jazz-hands fashion that contrasts nicely with the modern writing style. The in-the-round minimalistic white set fit the scene really well with hanging white jagged boards bringing the atmosphere during dramatic scene transitions where the lighting becomes an art installation in its own right. References to George Floyd’s “I can’t breathe” sounded in the darkest of moments and yet this is still a beautiful celebration of black love and black women that uplifts and entertains without shying away from the hard facts of reality.”
Theatre Weekly: **** “The original compositions by Ben and Max Ringham have an easy going R&B feel to them, but the lyrics attached to them are confrontational, Roo in particular uses them to make statements about race, feminism and taking control of your destiny. There are also powerful statements, voiced by Ayo-Dele Edwards, in which the words of real people describe what Black Love means to them.”
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Black Love at the Kiln Theatre
REVIEW ROUND-UP: What are critics saying about #BlackLove? @LoveLdnLoveCul gathers the verdicts. Written & directed by @Chino100Percent, its limited season concludes at @KilnTheatre on 23 Apr. #OffWestEnd #theatrereviews #LondonTheatre
