Kwame Kwei-Armah announced himself as an exciting new playwriting talent with debut Elmina's Kitchen. With the excellent Fix Up, he consolidates his status as a truly compelling voice in modern British theatre.
Dreadlocked Brother Kiyi (Jeffery Kissoon) runs a Tottenham book shop - beautifully evoked in designer Bunny Christie's towering set. But his devotion to black intellectual thought hasn't rubbed off on the local community: he hasn't sold a 'serious' book in months before mixed-race Alice (Nina Sosanya, pictured with Kissoon) enters the shop, looking to find herself by understanding something of black history.
Her arrival upsets the delicate balance of emotions among the characters who revolve around Kiyi, even before her real motive is revealed. A heady mix of issues including shadism, black militancy, responsibility and black identity are tackled head on as outside forces conspire to destroy Kiyi's sanctuary.
Director Angus Jackson controls the humour and mounting tension with an assured hand, helped by a uniformly brilliant cast. Sosanya takes on a challenging role and runs with it; Kissoon is convincing; and Claire Benedict provides excellent comic relief as Kiyi's dry and opinionated friend Norma.
Kwei-Armah's ear for dialogue is endlessly impressive and he doesn't shy away from uncomfortable issues. In all, it makes for theatre you want to tell everyone to see.
In rep until Mar 23 (next perf Thu), Cottesloe, National Theatre, South Bank SE1, 7.30pm, mats 2.30pm, £10 to £27, £10 to £18 concs. Tel: 020 7452 3000. www.nationaltheatre.org.uk Tube: Waterloo/Embankment
Fix Up
