Jeremy O. Harris’ “Slave Play” has made its much-anticipated West End premiere at the Noël Coward Theatre in London, opening on June 29 and running through September 21. The production, which has already stirred significant conversation and controversy, features a star-studded cast led by Kit Harington of “Game of Thrones” fame and Olivia Washington. Directed by Robert O’Hara, the play has transferred from its successful Off-Broadway and Broadway runs, bringing with it a mix of returning and new cast members.
The London cast includes Harington as Jim, Washington as Kaneisha, Fisayo Akinade as Gary, and Aaron Heffernan as Phillip. Returning from the original Off-Broadway and Broadway productions are James Cusati-Moyer as Dustin, Chalia La Tour as Teá, Annie McNamara as Alana, and Irene Sofia Lucio as Patricia. The ensemble is completed by understudies Troy Alexander, Dimitri Gripari, Maite Jauregui, Prince Kundai, and Malikah Mcherrin-Cobb. The casting was managed by Amy Ball, with original U.S. casting by Taylor Williams.
Set on the MacGregor Plantation in the Antebellum Old South, “Slave Play” explores complex themes of race, sexuality, and the psychological legacy of slavery through the lens of an “antebellum sexual performance therapy” workshop. The play’s provocative nature has sparked both acclaim and criticism, making it one of the most talked-about theatrical works in recent memory. It received a record-breaking 12 Tony nominations during its Broadway run, although it did not win any awards.
The entire original creative team has reunited for the London production, including scenic designer Clint Ramos, costume designer Dede Ayite, lighting designer Jiyoun Chang, and composer and sound designer Lindsay Jones. Additional contributions come from intimacy and fight director Claire Warden, U.S. choreographer Byron Easley, U.K. choreographer Jade Hackett, and voice and dialect coach Aundrea Fudge. The London premiere is produced by Empire Street Productions, Seaview Productions, and bb2.
Critics have had varied reactions to the play. The Express’ Neil Norman, The Guardian’s Arifa Akbar, and The Independent’s Alice Saville are among those who have weighed in, with reviews continuing to pour in from various outlets. The play’s controversial subject matter has led to a range of opinions, reflecting its ability to provoke thought and discussion.
Harris has been vocal about his concerns regarding the commercial theater’s reliance on celebrity casting, arguing that it can detract from the theatrical experience. He emphasized that Harington’s casting was not intended to turn the play into a “Jon Snow Experience,” but rather to contribute to the ensemble nature of the production. Harington himself has expressed a desire to avoid overshadowing the play with his star power.
“Slave Play” has not been without its detractors. A petition to cancel the play during its New York run garnered over 6,000 signatures, and the cast received death threats. Despite this, the play has continued to attract audiences and spark conversation. Harris has faced accusations of racism and pandering to white audiences, but he maintains that the play was initially written for his classmates at Yale, who were predominantly white.
The London run of “Slave Play” includes several initiatives aimed at increasing accessibility and diversity. Thirty pay-what-you-can tickets are available for each performance, starting at £1, and an additional ten seats are priced at £20. Two “Black Out” performances, scheduled for July 17 and September 17, will offer Black audience members the opportunity to experience the play in a space free from the “white gaze.” These initiatives have sparked controversy, with U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak criticizing the “Black Out” nights as divisive. Harris responded by pointing out that similar events have been held in London before and that no one is turned away based on race.
Harris has always been committed to increasing diversity in theater. He has previously pulled productions from theaters that lacked representation and has engaged in targeted outreach to attract more diverse audiences. His efforts have included advertising on popular hip-hop and R&B radio stations and offering discounted tickets.
The play’s provocative nature and Harris’ outspoken advocacy for diversity have made “Slave Play” a lightning rod for both praise and criticism. As it continues its run at the Noël Coward Theatre, it remains to be seen how London audiences will ultimately receive this challenging and thought-provoking work.
Source: The Guardian, The Independent, The Express, Playbill
