It’s always refreshing to see a piece of live art that has no frills or grandiosity, with no complex set or lighting, just a great performance that connects with its audience. FADoubleGOT, a one man show performed by Jamal Gerald does just that. Described by Jamal himself as a piece “inspired by a gay black experience and the ups and downs of pride and self-loathing” he tells his life story through spoken word, movement and beautifully written poetry.
The venue for the performance itself wasn’t your conventional theatre. The underground Live Art Bistro, a cosy warehouse space donned with fairy lights, sofas and glitter balls, stripped away the pretentiousness of theatre we all know too well. The warm space invited audiences to engage in conversation over their mutual love for the arts. It had a real community feel, ideal for Jamal’s intimate piece.
‘The underground Live Art Bistro, a cosy warehouse space donned with fairy lights, sofas and glitter balls, stripped away the pretentiousness of theatre we all know too well’
Performing solo on stage for an hour is no easy task, but from the outset everyone in the room was gripped and hanging onto Jamal’s every word. Speaking for the most part only in a pair of boxers, Gerald was literally stripped bare in front of the audience, yet not at all vulnerable. He dominated the stage with confidence, class and of course, sass. Reflecting on Tinder experiences, drug use and sex parties, he didn’t hold back, while still injecting perfectly timed comedic moments into his piece.
‘Reflecting on Tinder experiences, drug use and sex parties, he didn’t hold back, while still injecting perfectly timed comedic moments into his piece.’
Inviting his audience to stand and connect with him to partake in the performance, he highlights that this is not just his story, but he is speaking on behalf of the struggles of gay black men everywhere. If you see it, prepare to be thinking about FADoubleGOT long after leaving the theatre.
Isabel Rushmer
(Image courtesy of Camden People’s Theatre)