Wedding Band: A Love/ Hate Story in Black and White By Alice Childress
Set in the deep south of the USA in 1918 when interracial marriage was illegal, Julia, a black seamstress, and Herman, a white baker, are defying all odds with their secret love.
They face vicious judgement not just by society but also their closest friends and family. As they finally begin to believe their dreams for a future together are possible, Herman becomes a victim of the Spanish flu. Determined to save him, Julia is faced with decisions that will change her life.
Award-winning American playwright Alice Childress’ Wedding Band is a searing and powerful masterpiece which offers a stark reflection of the reality she was writing in during the Civil Rights era. It explores themes of race and class, questioning the devastating impact of unjust laws on ordinary human lives.
This moving and emotive drama will be directed by Monique Touko following her smash-hit success School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play at the Lyric.
Reviews
★★★★★ ‘It’s well cast, well-acted and with direction from Monique Touko, it’s just such a good show’
★★★★ ‘This is a play that leaps through the decades to grab you by the throat. Remarkable’
‘It’s an exhilarating find, blending politics, prejudice, social realism, melodrama and romance. Monique Touko’s swaggering production leans into the contradictions.’
Evening Standard
★★★★ ‘An important, affecting revival that will no doubt introduce many to the power of Childress’s work’
★★★★ ‘Touko has launched it into the present, giving her actors the space to make their characters overflowing, wholes. What a way to give this play its first London entrance.’
★★★★ ‘This elegant revival, directed by Monique Touko … has a lush, feverish intensity’
★★★★ ‘An accomplished, openly political project that should be on everyone’s radar’
★★★★ ‘Monique Touko’s lively production paints a vivid picture of the divided community’
★★★★ ‘This bold and richly detailed production by Monique Touko is performed by an outstanding ensemble’
London Theatre
★★★★ ’Key to Touko’s production is the way the cast give weight to Childress’s affectionately drawn characters’
★★★★ ‘A powerful piece of drama’
London Theatre 1
★★★★ ‘Director Monique Touko has punched up all the humour and fire in the text, drawing a rich tonality from her excellent cast.’
The Arts Desk
★★★★ ‘Direction by Monique Touko ensures every ounce of feeling is squeezed out of Childress’ intricate script.’
All That Dazzles
★★★★ ‘Monique Touko’s direction is well-paced, with smooth transitions. Even when multiple conversations happen simultaneously, we are not distracted. The play is as vibrant as it likely was when first staged, if not more so; we enjoy each character and see their fullness in Touko’s production.’
The Rendition
★★★★ ‘‘As director Monique Touko says, the play indeed “speaks to now.’
Theatre Weekly