Theatre Review: Noughts and Crosses
AD: This Press Night Review refers to the 2022 Touring Production of Noughts and Crosses at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham*
2001 young adult novel Noughts and Crosses was a story that author Malorie Blackman was gently advised not to write. After all, who wanted to read a book, set in a dystopian world, tackling racism, bullying, violence, suicide and capital punishment? And with a black female protagonist? Turns out that millions did. It became part of the UK GCSE syllabus. One book became 9 books and a TV series. And now it has been adapted for the stage by York-based Pilot Theatre company, written by Sabrina Mahfouz and directed by Esther Richardson.
In a reimagined society, it is black people – the Crosses – that are the ruling class, and white people – the Noughts – that are subjected to inequality and racial discrimination. Sephy (Persephone) is the daughter of senior politician Kamal Hadley. She is a Cross. Her white childhood friend Callum McGregor is a Nought. Sephy and Callum risk crossing a very strict racial and social divide if they wish to pursue their burgeoning teen romance.
Callum is permitted, along with two other Noughts, to attend a prestigious school for Crosses. This causes a violent backlash, reminiscent of Ruby Bridges attending a white school in Louisiana in 1960. Sephy risks everything to stand up for Callum. As they grow older, their lives take very different paths, although both continue to strive for change in their own way.
“You’re a Nought and I’m a Cross and there’s nowhere for us to be”
The talented ensemble cast bring Blackman’s story to life, and the young principal performers are particularly impressive in their debut lead roles. Effie Ansah delivers a skilled performance as Sephy, conveying the struggle of maturing from a girl to a woman, particularly in such a segregated environment. James Arden portrays Callum sympathetically, sharing his anger and frustration at the government that seeks to oppress him. They share hope and innocence, and depict a believable coming-of-age relationship. Their eventual coming-together is made all the more poignant by the obstacles they have encountered.
Chris Jack plays power-hungry Cross official Kamal, stoking the flames of hatred, despite the consequences for his own family. Sephy’s mother Jasmine (Amie Buhari) seeks solace in the bottle. Callum’s father (Daniel Copeland) and brother (Nathaniel McCloskey) meanwhile become increasingly involved in the Liberation Militia, a white freedom party. Filled with grief and resentment, they are determined to fight for equality, by any means necessary.
Simon Kenny’s set cleverly conveys a claustrophobic tone, with shifting deep-red panels, and light boxes. The cast move the simple structures around to set the scene, almost balletic in their movement at times. The lighting (Ben Cowens), sound (Arun Ghosh and Xana) and digital displays (Ian Wiliam Galloway) create a superb spectacle, with strobe lighting and slow motion movement used to beautiful effect.
“Why love, if losing hurts so much?”
Noughts and Crosses is aimed at young adults, but the messages are powerful regardless of age. There were a lot of school groups in the audience, and the conversations that this play will prompt will no doubt be valuable. It was nice to feel a different energy throughout the theatre, and to hear gasps and nervous giggles throughout the production, although nothing to distract.
This modern twist on the classic Romeo and Juliet tale is both a love story and socio-political commentary. It forces the audience to re-evaluate their assumptions about race and power. However, unlike the tragic Shakespeare star-cross’d lovers, Noughts and Crosses offers hope for a different future.
Noughts and Crosses is at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until Saturday 19th November 2022. Purchase your tickets here. 2023 tour dates continue until April 2023, the full tour schedule can be found here.
All production photos by Robert Day
