Black and She's Leaving Home

Black is a play about racial tensions in the UK today, following the story of two young women with different struggles. It was commissioned by Culture Liverpool as part of the 50th Anniversary of the Beatles' Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band and was published to coincide with 20 Stories Highs national tour of Black in 2018.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 88 pages
Publication date: 03 April 2018
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Black is a powerful play that delves into the complex issue of racial tensions in the UK today. Set in a suburban neighborhood, the play revolves around the experiences of two young women, Nikki and Kelsey, who come from different backgrounds. Nikki, the daughter of a hardworking man who owns a local shop, believes that her dad is not a racist but rather cares deeply about his community. However, when a Zimbabwean family moves in over the road, their dog starts barking incessantly, causing tension between the neighbors. The local kids, influenced by their parents' prejudices, begin to lob stones at the Zimbabwean family, further escalating the situation.

As the tensions mount, Nikki's dad takes matters into his own hands, laying down the law and trying to maintain order in the neighborhood. However, his actions only further divide the community, and Nikki begins to question whether her dad's beliefs are truly justified.

Through the characters of Nikki and Kelsey, the play explores the challenges faced by young women in modern Britain, particularly those from minority backgrounds. It sheds light on the systemic inequalities and discrimination that they face, as well as the struggles they endure to pursue their dreams and achieve success.

Shes Leaving Home, another play by Keith Sahas, was commissioned by Culture Liverpool as part of the 50th Anniversary of the Beatles' seminal album Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. This play shares a similar theme of young women facing challenges in their lives, but it takes a different approach. Kelsey, the main character, is a 15-year-old girl who has her whole life ahead of her and feels that she has everything she wants: good mates, a supportive family, and big ambitions. However, as she grows older, she realizes that leaving home to fulfill her dreams is not as easy as she first imagined.

The play explores the pressures and expectations that young women face in today's society, as well as the challenges they encounter in pursuing their aspirations. Kelsey's journey is filled with ups and downs, as she navigates the complexities of teenage life, family relationships, and her own personal struggles.

Both Black and Shes Leaving Home are thought-provoking plays that force the issues of modern Britain to take center stage. They offer a powerful commentary on the social and political climate of the country, and they provide a glimpse into the lives of young women who are navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing world.

These plays are not only entertaining but also educational, and they serve as a reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and compassion in our society. They remind us that we all have different experiences and perspectives, and that it is our responsibility to work towards a more inclusive and just world for all.

In conclusion, Black and Shes Leaving Home are two powerful plays that explore the complex issue of racial tensions in the UK today. Through the characters of Nikki and Kelsey, they shed light on the challenges faced by young women from minority backgrounds, as well as the systemic inequalities and discrimination that they encounter. These plays are not only entertaining but also educational, and they serve as a reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and compassion in our society. They remind us that we all have different experiences and perspectives, and that it is our responsibility to work towards a more inclusive and just world for all.

Weight: 88g
Dimension: 131 x 198 x 5 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350085190