…blackbird hour by babirye bukilwaat, Bush Theatre Review
Evlyne Oyedokun (Eshe) in '...blackbird hour' at Bush Theatre. Photo credit Seye Isikalu.
Written by Bronagh for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Eshe is in the throes of a crisis. She is drinking too much, taking illicit drugs. She’s is surrounded by empty crisp packets, an overflowing laundry basket. Loved ones come and go - they want to respect her boundaries – all before a crucial discovery of a letter in the early hours of the morning. A mix of poetry and use of multi-media …Blackbird Hour is a stunning watch which will undoubtedly leave you feeling moved.
We enter the Studio at the Bush Theatre to find Eshe sitting on her rumpled bed, surrounded by rubbish. It is clear that we, the audience, have interrupted something and are about to join the wild ride. What follows is a beautifully acted eighty minutes of poignant theatre.
Evelyne Oyedokun captures Eshe’s fragility and turmoil brilliantly, as well as smashing those comedic elements which we are also treated to throughout. I would be keen to know if Oyedokun was meant to break the vase with her crutch, or if this was an accident and she stayed in character. Oyedokun’s performance veers between high energy and panic, to subdued and ‘out of it’. This is impressive to watch, albeit rather exhausting in parts.
Subtitles are used throughout, and I would say accurate 99% of the time. The other 1% where timing or wording is off isn’t detrimental to the show itself and I’m sure will become more polished. …blackbird hour and the Bush Theatre itself are dedicated to inclusivity and accessibility, which is evident in their use of subtitles as well as many other elements highlighted in the ‘self care’ section of the webpage.
The third part of …blackbird hour, after Eshe’s time in the ‘mental prison’, is almost surreal. Esha’s girlfriend Ella (Olivia Nakintu) and friend Michael (Ivan Oyik), who were previously extremely passionate about helping Eshe is her time of need, become robotic in their approach repeatedly telling her how proud they are and using other medical buzzwords and phrases. This is a contrast to their earlier performance which was, although still passionate, more low key and calm. Ella and Michael are symbols of the difficulties and complexities that comes with dealing with somebody so hurt and in distress.
I will admit, a few reference were lost on me particularly relating to a car accident. I’m sure that I can put two and two together, particularly as Eshe did had a bandage on and used crutches, but a little more context wouldn’t have gone amiss for me.
The Bush Theatre, as previously mentioned, is a theatre dedicated to inclusivity and accessibility. There is a ‘quiet space’ which audience members are encouraged to use, as well as for praying. The Library Bar has a lovely laid back feel, very comfortable with the bookcases too. This is one of my favourite venues to visit in London, and one that I will always return to.
…blackbird hour is a brilliant addition to The Bush Theatre’s repertoire, and one that I am sure audiences will not stop talking about for a long time.
At The Bush Theatre until 1st March 2025.
★ ★ ★ ★
