Fallout

Synopsis

A boy is found dead. D.C. Joe Stephens must return to his old neighbourhood to investigate. Shanice is avoiding his questions about her boyfriend, Emile, and his mates. Ronnie saw something, but promised Shanice she'd say nothing. But when a reward is offered, keeping quiet becomes a major test of their street loyalty.

Our Review:

18 June 2003

In the most gripping (and frequently gruelling) issue-based play since Joe Penhall's Blue/Orange, Roy Williams digs forensically beneath the scene of a young black man's murder in Fallout to uncover both how and why he died.

Constructed as a detective story in which two policemen (like the two psychiatrists of Blue/Orange) are at loggerheads over their different views on how to solve the case, the play provides a searing and bleak account of the sexual and social rivalries that lead to murder amongst a group of London street kids.

Like Kwame Kwei-Armah recently did in his National Theatre play Elmina's Kitchen, Williams has turned a critical eye on his own community for a play that not only comes from the heart but ...

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Latest User Review

USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.50.14) - 13 July 2003:

I agree with all your previous reviewers. Yet again, the Royal Court is in the vanguard of topical political drama. Congratulations to all concerned. Fortunately, the night I was there, it played to a mixed audience. It would be a real pity if this play was not seen by a much wider audience....

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