Black and Blue

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.... full review

Words are hard to come by after watching the raw, emotional, and beautiful performance. It was brilliant to watch the craft of this beautiful human, but more important it was a real testament to humanity and an experience I will not soon forget. His passionate performance left me speechless. It is a story the world needs to hear and I am so grateful I got to experience it. It will change you… go see it!! Forever grateful ❤️... full review

It was a real and raw story about the full perspective of being black in America. It was vulnerable and well written, the kind of piece that stays with you for days and makes you think about life and the world around you. Incredible show.... full review

"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.... full review

This show was intentional and most importantly “necessary.” What bought tears to my eyes is the subject matter and seeing someone that looks like me do what I want to do and doing it soo freely! Art has no boundaries but it’s does have connections in which we all can coexist in!! Witnessing a diverse audience share the same air , the same experience within those theater walls, the same silence , the same introspection…was captivating!! I loved Jalen’s ability to shape-shift into the lives of so many people that we know and his ability to not beret us with a worldly agenda but to SHOW US BY LIVING TRUEFULLY THROUGH THOSE BEAUTIFUL CHARACTERS !!! The sound and lighting was extremely impactful and the simplicity is what really made the atmos... full review

A powerful piece and performance. Jamar inhabits each character with such empathy and care that it's hard for the audience not to relate to the constant pull of voices in our head telling us who we "should" be. It is as timely as ever and forces us to see that when we strip away all of the layers we are all human, and that is what connects us. That is what must connect us. Jamar is a powerhouse and commands the stage with a rich and vibrant energy. Through all the pain and questioning he goes through on stage, you can tell he loves what he does. And for me, the most powerful moment of the show is when Jamar just talks to us as himself, trying to make sense of all the noise. ... full review

This show is one of the best original works I have ever seen. Emotional, heartfelt, and thought provoking, delivered with grace. From the writing to the acting to the direction, all the pieces came together to create a truly exceptional work. See it. See it now. ... full review

Amazing! Really thought provoking and engaging. Made me think about how my own biases affect the way I move through the world.... full review

I was so beyond impressed with this production. It was masterfully written and beautifully performed. Jalen’s old soul really comes through. I genuinely BELIEVED with every fiber of my being that he was the embodiment of the character he was portraying at the time, whether it be from the perspective of an old man, young man or child. I laughed and cried and I need more people to see and recognize this raw talent. Kayla’s direction was so clearly thought out. She made an already brilliant piece of writing and acting that much better. It is raw, intelligent, well paced, and truly one of the most powerful displays of art i’ve ever seen. 10/10!!!... full review