A powerful, compelling romance exploring activism and identity, brilliantly acted and directed.
This Bitter Earth at the Soho Theatre, is written by Harrison David Rivers and offers a compelling and deeply human experience, skillfully weaving an imperfectly perfect romance with vital discussions on activism and the intersection of queerness and blackness. While it tackles a multitude of weighty themes, the heart of the play undeniably lies in the captivating love story between Jesse, played by the magnetic Omari Douglas, and Neil, brought to life by Alexander Lincoln.
The success of This Bitter Earth hinges on the audience’s belief in and rooting for this central couple, a task the two leads accomplish with remarkable ease. Their witty, natural dialogue is a constant highlight, and the chemistry between Douglas and Lincoln is simply undeniable. Small gestures and subtle touches throughout their interactions infuse their relationship with an incredible sense of realism, making them feel like a truly lived-in couple. Both actors deliver performances that showcase their talents at their absolute best, creating a dynamic and believable partnership.
Billy Porter’s direction is nothing short of excellent. The play moves at a brisk, engaging pace, with transitions between scenes executed seamlessly and intelligently. While a few moments involving the actors being in the audience didn’t quite land for me in terms of their purpose, this was a minor quibble that did not detract from the overall impact of the show.
The play courageously juggles a complex array of topics, from the importance of activism to the nuanced interplay of queerness and black identity within the American discourse on race. For the most part, it manages to integrate these themes effectively, grounding universal human experiences within a specifically American context.
My primary reservation, and the reason for the slightly less than perfect score, lies with the ending. Despite the powerful setup, the final moments didn’t quite deliver the emotional gut punch I anticipated. This was largely due to the narrative choice to explicitly reveal the outcome halfway through the show, which, for me, inadvertently lessened the emotional stakes of the climax. However, it’s clear this was a subjective experience, as the sniffles and hushed tears from several audience members during the final five minutes were a testament to the profound emotional impact it did have on others.
In conclusion, This Bitter Earth is a thought-provoking and beautifully performed piece that captivates with its central romance and challenges with its timely themes. Despite a slightly softened emotional landing for some, it’s a powerful and highly recommended theatrical experience.
This Bitter Earth is playing at Soho Theatre until 26th July.