We are excited to welcome poet and musician Reece Williams for the first time with a powerful new show exploring the intersection between race and class.
This Kind of Black (Requiem for Black Boys) is about growing up in Manchester’s Moss Side in the 1990s, a stone’s throw from conflict and violence. It celebrates a community held together by prayers, warmth and humour, while mourning the tragic loss of young life, when the media only portrays you through the lens of ‘Gunchester,’ gangs and poverty.
Above all the show explores the complex relationship between a gangland father and his son, and the impact of trauma on the mental health of young Black boys across the generations.
Reece Williams is a towering presence on the northern spoken word and poetry scene and has performed alongside the likes of Saul Williams, Kae Tempest, The Last Poets and Amiri Baraka. He is passionate about youth engagement, cultural policy and race relations and works to empower young people from economically deprived communities to create projects that foster social change.
Written and Performed by Reece Williams
Produced and Directed by Matt Fenton
Commissioned by HOME and Apples and Snakes, supported by STUN and Contact. Funded by Arts Council England and the Jerwood New Work Fund.
“This Kind of Black is a beautiful, lyrical requiem that manages to be both moving and gently celebratory.”
★★★★★ Adventures In Theatreland
“A real celebration of community, depicting its strength, hardship, humour and resilience. Williams is absolutely brilliant.”
ILoveManchester
Image Credit: Audrey Albert
