Custody - A sharing

Last night I had the privilege of viewing a 'sharing' of a new, striking and heavily poignant play entitled; 'custody'. The production was co- written and produced by an intelligent and inspiring Primary School friend of mine, Urbain Hayo. Thrilled to attend the performance and view my friend's work, I made sure I reserved a seat and made my way to London's Southbank on a somewhat wet and mysterious Thursday afternoon.

 The play itself is a work in progress, funded my The Princes Trust and working in association with Stratford East Theater, it was the first night members of the public were invited for a viewing. A taster if you like, to test public response to the production. Performed in a small and intimate room on the lower level of The Royal Festival Hall, the audience were seated closely together, building an intensified close-knit feeling. As the play is in the early stages of development, there was also the feeling that the hidden-away room represented a slight underground movement. With such a big and important story to tell, I hope this production surfaces to the loud streets of London and draws the attention of some high profile figures of authority, really allowing this production to evoke change and spread awareness of such brutalities which DO take place.

'Custody' is an extremely relevant play, written about a young black male who dies in police custody,
in shady circumstances incorrectly addressed or rectified. In light of the recent black deaths in America, it's timing could not be more appropriate. Brian is a young black man of African heritage
from south London. He is  successful, popular, he is the guy that everyone wants to be. The problem arises however when some figures in society question his success, how can a young black man have so much to his name, surely some illegal activity must have taken place? Abused, intimidated and
 ridiculed, Brian's dies while being held in police custody.

This is a powerful play, excellently executed by talented actors. Touching upon a magnitude of relevant issues in society surrounding; identity, race, equality and justice, this play does not only deserve to tour but needs to tour. Inspired by true events, this production tells the story of so many young men who may not have necessarily lost their lives in suspicious circumstances but who have lost their way in the world due to having their identity questioned and unaccepted.

Well done Urbain.