What I liked
Shifting between these distinct characters, there is an acute sense of authenticity that never wavers nor diminishes. Though his physicality and voice change—flawlessly, I might add—the text emanates from the same soul. In this way, Gilbert and Raelle have created a kind of prism; the complex truths of this piece shine out in different shades, different tones, but unquestionably from the same source. It is very difficult to separate the text from the acting, which I think speaks to the utter triumph that is his performance. Nothing feels written, even when what’s spoken veers into poetry. It feels like life, in all its spiky, perilous beauty.
In the way that great art transcends its components, the work Raelle and Gilbert have done is imperceptible. I imagine the work to have been a major collaboration, but I couldn’t begin to pick apart what was what, by whom. That is an achievement. Kudos to these two visionary artists.
What I didn't like
I could see it again.
My overall impression
“Black and Blue” is an unflinching tour de force, birthed from the immensely gifted mind of Jamar Gilbert. The actor, the writer, and the play contain multitudes: “One body. Many truths.” Gilbert gives credence to each one—each truth—individually, letting the many arguments breathe and boil off in a kind of socratic seminar of the soul. He’s got a lot to say, and damn, does he say it well. Add to that the brilliant staging by Kayla Raelle. With her keen eye for space, the hour-long solo show never loses steam. The two capture lighting in a bottle with this. You will laugh, you will wince, and you will cry. DO NOT MISS IT.
