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Black and Blue

Solo Theatre · Jamar Gilbert · Ages 13+ · United States of America

Content Warning One Person Show World Premiere
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black and blue

Review by SARAH BELL

June 14, 2025 certified reviewer
tagged as: thought-provoking · powerful · moving

What I liked

Jamar’s performance, pain and simple. He fully embodied every character, physically, vocally, emotionally, in ways that were distinct and believable without becoming caricatures. Masterfully performed.

What I didn't like

As much as I liked the intimacy, I think Jamar needed more room to play. Would love to see this on a bigger stage, perhaps with more props and set pieces to fill out the various worlds he plays in.

My overall impression

Incredibly moving, thoughtful, and passionately performed. Jamar holds nothing back as he explores the different experiences that all live within him, and reaches out to the audience in a way that challenges us to consider the complexities of the black experience while also inviting us to join him on his journey; we experience the pain, joy, anger, and sorrow right along with him, and at the same time question our own behaviors and beliefs. THAT is what art is meant to do.

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black and blue