Wedding Band: A Love/Hate Story in Black and White isn't your typical love story. This captivating drama, finally gracing London's Lyric Hammersmith under Monique Touko's direction, explores the forbidden love between Julia, a Black seamstress (powerfully portrayed by Deborah Ayorinde), and Herman, a White baker (played with tenderness by David Walmsley). Set against the backdrop of the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic in South Carolina, their passionate connection defies societal norms and existing laws, making it a love story fraught with danger and heartbreak.
Saskia Holness, Poppy Graham, Diveen Henry, Deborah Ayorinde, and Bethan Mary James in Wedding Band (Photo by Mark Senior)
The play masterfully evokes a potent mix of hope and tragedy - Julia and Herman's love hangs in the theatre, desperately hoping for a happy ending. But the ever-present threat of racism and the looming pandemic constantly remind you of the potential for heartbreak.
This emotional rollercoaster is amplified by the exceptional performances of the supporting cast. Lachele Carl shines as the landlady Fanny, showcasing a woman caught between aspirations of white gentility and the fierce protectiveness of her Black community. Geraldine Alexander delivers a powerful performance as Herman's mother, adding another layer of complexity to the play's exploration of race dynamics. Even the child actress delivers a surprisingly mature and believable performance.
Wedding Band doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of racism. The sting of racial slurs and hateful pronouncements are constant reminders of the oppressive world Julia and Herman inhabit. Even within the supposed sanctuary of Julia's new home, the revelation of her interracial relationship creates a ripple of unease. The play subtly explores the complexities of Black womanhood in the face of such prejudice.
Paul Wills' minimalist set design with stark metallic fences and geometric panels further amplifies the themes of entrapment and societal restrictions. This sense of confinement reflects the characters' lives and is further underscored by the ever-present threat of the pandemic.
Despite the heavy subject matter, Wedding Band is not devoid of humor. Unexpected laughter punctuates the drama, offering the audience a brief respite. The play's ending departs from a conventional resolution, opting for a more abstract yet emotionally resonant image. It leaves a lingering question: can love genuinely blossom in a world where hate seems to hold so much power?
Poppy Gilbert, David Walmsley, and Geraldine Alexander in Wedding Band, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre (Photo by Mark Senior)
Wedding Band is more than just a love story; it's a powerful social commentary. It's a searing indictment of racial prejudice and a celebration of the human spirit's capacity to love in the face of overwhelming adversity. The play forces us to confront the complexities of race, class, and gender in a bygone era while offering an unsettling sense of familiarity in today's world. It's a must-see for anyone seeking a theatrical experience that sparks conversation and ignites the heart.
