Black millennials’ stories are having a moment on stage, and I love it so much! Between Williams’ Red Pitch, Cameron’s For Coloured Boys, and now Lanre Malaolu‘s Now I See! And it’s not even October! I tried my best to view Now I See on its own merits, as comparison can steal joy. Fortunately, it stands just fine all by itself. I saw it a few days before it ended its run at Stratford East Theatre Royal, and I hope it will be back soon.
The play explores Nigerian Brits Kieron (Oliver Alvin-Wilson) and Dayo (Nnabiko Ejimofor) at a celebration of Adeyeye’s life. Adeyeye is the recently deceased third brother, (played by Tendai Humphrey) Sitima. The three brothers commune over family, life, and death using flashbacks and some rousing dance numbers.
Now I See refers to one’s blindness being lifted. This work illuminates and enlightens the human experience, helping us to really see ourselves and each other just as the brothers learn to. Shows like this have the power to save people’s lives, particularly the thousands of men who take their own lives every year. I couldn’t help but think of all the blind men I know who could do with a ticket to see this show.
I appreciated the post-show decompression period. After the show, the audience could stay for 10 minutes to contemplate and catch a breath. Helpful! especially if you feel like you have just been hit by a truck as I did.
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