In The Black theatre review: Money, morals and making it in America
Quaz Degraft’s sharp one-man dark comedy explores race, masculinity and the price of success
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This one-man dark comedy by Quaz Degraft engrosses the audience with its tale of Ghanaian American Kofi Grady, a black man trying to make his way in the world of finance. Based on Degraft’s own experiences, Grady juggles friendships, family, heritage and a new romance while seeking his own golden path, increasingly finding himself under the pressure of moral dilemmas and a toxic workplace culture.
Illustrated with precision and nothing but a couple of costume changes for props, Degraft masterfully switches between a cast of characters who surround Grady’s life and weigh in on future decisions with their own expectations, including his overbearing yet lovable father.
Between aiming for financial highs and realising the costs that come with them, the writing manages to touch on important topics alongside race, including masculinity, consent and perceived social value, while still offering unexpected laughs throughout. Landing between Atlanta and Wolf Of Wall Street, with wry humour and beautiful moments of folk guitar in between, Degraft’s ability to craft and tell this complex and affecting narrative is impressive. With a performance that is flawless, Quaz Degraft will be one of the most exciting artists to see this August.
In The Black, Underbelly Bristo Square, until 31 August, 2.45pm; picture: The Fern Photography.