After an incident involving a Somali Afro comb, Mason, a social justice activist, finds himself in a Young Offender Institution for eighteen months. We see how he uses poetry as a coping mechanism to make sense of the world around him, and how right and wrong do not always equate to legal and illegal.
Written by Casey Bailey (former Birmingham Poet Laureate 2020-2022), Please Do Not Touch was initially conceived as an extension of his poetry collection of the same name. However, throughout the creative process, Bailey realised that the play is more like a tree in the same orchard rather than a direct theatrical adaptation of the collection. He aimed to honour the feeling from which the poems originated, and without a doubt he succeeds.
The role of Mason was a perfect showcase for Tijan Sarr’s talents. He convincingly embodies a range of characters, from a prison guard to an inmate and even family members, often switching back and forth during rapid-fire conversations. A particular highlight is a conversation between Mason and his mother. Sarr embodies his mother so successfully that the audience could vividly imagine her in their minds.
Director Gail Babb utilises the space really well. Using Miriam Nabarro’s design, every corner of the thrust stage configuration is employed, ensuring Sarr connects with each audience member. Nabarro creates a transformative set that begins with a concrete slab wall, which later becomes the ceiling of Mason’s cell. Using tracks on the stage floor, the cell moves forwards and backwards, while corridors in the institution are cleverly crafted through Gillian Tan’s lighting design.
Please Do Not Touch is a powerful play and is well worth watching. At just over an hour, it is the perfect length, taking audiences on an emotional journey.
Please Do Not Touch is a brand-new co-production between China Plate and Belgrade Theatre. It is running at the Belgrade Theatre until 21st September. Tickets and more information is available here.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Nicola Young
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