Writer: Ryan Calais Cameron
Director: Rob Watt
Human Nurture is an extremely relevant, up to date and challenging short play exploring the tensions between a black man and a white man who grew up together. We meet them at age 18. Runaku did well in his GCSEs, moved to live with his Ugandan uncle and is attending a very good college. Harry is living alone and is self-employed, struggling to pay the bills.
Ryan Calais Cameron’s script is strong. It feels authentic and like these characters could be people in your neighbourhood. The characters are developed and the play explores a range of issues around race and privilege very well. Rob Watt’s direction is brilliant. The tone of the piece regularly changes, in a good way, which keeps the audience drawn in and engaged in the stories of the two characters. Tara Usher’s set is simple but works for the piece, while Simisola Majekodunmi’s lighting design helps depict the different locations. At times, the dialogue can be difficult to hear as the music sometimes overpowers what is being said, especially in scenes with a lot of movement. However Neeta Sarl’s music is great and really adds to the piece.
The play has a cast of two and both are exceptional. Justice Ritchie plays Runaku and Lucas Button is Harry. Both make believable teenagers who have very different experiences and stories to tell, and both have a huge amount of energy which makes their performances very enjoyable to watch. Ritchie portrays the anger that Runaku has built up over the years very well. At times, he makes moments difficult to watch in the best possible way. Button’s Harry feels relatable and he shows the internal conflicts of the characters fantastically. Button and Ritchie have a great rapport and bounce off each other really well.
Human Nurture is challenging but addresses some very important themes. It only runs for 55 minutes without interval but this feels the perfect length. As well as being performed in the Studio, the play is being taken into schools across Sheffield. This is definitely a piece of theatre that will resonate with young people, but people of all ages will certainly enjoy it and feel challenged by it.
Runs until Saturday 12th February 2021