Black Voice White Noise, Etcetera Theatre Review

Reviewed by Bronagh for Theatre and Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

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Black Voice, White Noise is a show that explores racial identity and the experiences that come with growing up mixed race. Incidentally, Black Voice, White Noise was the second show I saw last week which explored racial identity and attitudes in Britain. This is a topic that I find interesting, and enjoy seeing these stories on the stage where they rightfully belong and getting the attention they need. 

We meet Catarina (Joanna Ventura), or ‘Cat’, just as she’s starting a new job in London. She tries her best to connect with Gabriel (Kwami-Teye Canacoo), as the only other mixed race person in the office, she thinks they can join forces. Gabriel rebuffs her until ‘Friday night drinks’ evokes emotions and memories long buried.

I started Black Voice, White Noise feeling quiet annoyed by Cat – great testemant to Ventura’s acting! Can’t she just take no for an answer when Gabriel doesn’t want to talk to her? Clearly not. But then I ended the show really liking her and admiring her for pushing Gabriel to really think back to his childhood and experiences he may have had, evident by him remembering a child asking if his ‘mummy was his real mummy’ due to the difference in skin colour.

The story is told in the present with some flashbacks thrown in too; the aforementioned comment on Gabriel’s mummy, as well as Cat having to deal with the ‘n’ word being thrown round and a colleague telling Gabriel that mixed race babies are ‘so cute’. I really enjoyed this method of storytelling, with both Venture and Canacoo playing all parts with the aid of some probs, namely a scarf (better than it sounds!). I have no doubt that the experiences shared in Black Voice, White Noise will speak volumes to mixed race people and do applaud the way they’ve been brought to the stage by Canacoo, who wrote the show as well as playing Gabriel. I’m sure they were a few collective gasps in the audience throughout the girls’ bathroom scene where another girl tries to touch Cat’s hair.

The set is very small and simple, a given considering the intimacy of Etcetera Theatre. Ventura and Canacoo move around a table and chair to give us an office, a pub and a house party.  These short, snappy transitions keep the show ticking over nicely and at a good pace. A perfect example of why an elaborate set is not needed particularly when the writing and direction is so well done.

A sticking point for me was how often the ‘n’ word was used. I must make it clear here that I am a white person who has never experienced racism, and there is no way I can even comprehend the effect racism would have on a person. I did find myself wincing at how much is was used throughout, however, I appreciate this isn’t a show written and performed to particularly make you feel comfortable.

Overall I really enjoyed Black Voice, White Noise and would recommend it to anybody.  A short show with a strong message, and sure to leave you wanting more from this duo! 

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆