The New Diorama in London is placing bets on small troupes, inviting them onto its stage and giving them help to thrive. With two shows now in the West End, its gambles are paying off.
- what is it? do you wanna tell me a little bit about it? - yeah. like, this one i m working on is actually inspired by my family reunion. it was really like a potluck and a reason to get everybody to dress up. - right, right. - and so-and-so brings a plate, and her son brings her plate. her signature dish. [both speaking spanish] like, this one brings this. but to me was this specific moment of when the men and the women will walk into the party, right when they walk in. - so this is a tribute to the 80s. - yeah, 90s. of, like, my family when they came here, and how they interpreted american luxury. like, what they thought nouveau riche was. - show me your best. it s all great, so it s going to be hard for you to pick one. - i have a lot of, like, this is - oh, wow. - it s like a knit trench. actually, it was inspired by the hasidics. - look at that. it s influenced your whole mindset. the neighborhood you grew up in, the other culture. it looks so dope with the big fur hats. - i m
It looks to uplift and asks, directly, to hang on in there. there is a pervading sense of courage in telling honest stories, vulnerably, that resonates.
For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy drove audiences wild when it premiered in 2019, and is now set for an even bigger stage. Creator and cast discuss staying true to what made it so special