Noughts & Crosses is a stage play, inspired by a series of young adult novels by British author, Malorie Blackman.
The story takes place in an alternative 21st-century Britain where society is segregated in an ‘alternative history’ which see’s the noughts (lighter skinned people) fighting for equality in a world where crosses (dark skinned people) are in control.
The production is an amalgamation of the six novels that make up the original book series. Described as a 'gripping Romeo and Juliet story', Noughts & Crosses tells the story of Sephy (a Cross) and Callum (a Nought) who are treading the fine line of the racial and social divide of society as they grow up falling in love.
As violence breaks out and Sephy and Callum draw closer - but this is a romance that will lead them into terrible danger and, ultimately, will see someone pay the ultimate price.
What I found absolutely fascinating about this piece is that beautiful simplicity with which it articulated its message. One which see's the current racial divide in society flipped on its head in as much as to say that which way the divide sits isn't the issue - it's the fact it exists that causes tension and becomes and increasing problem.
This show is beautifully staged. With a really simple red set that uses light, projection and choreography to emulate the changing backdrop, the striking, yet uncluttered nature of the stage meant you attention was allowed to focus on the performance. Nothing needed to fly in, or be automated across the stage, to legitimise the show - the actors on stage did so beautifully. Overpowering lights and an all encompassing soundtrack immerse the audience in the action but it really is the performances that make this show special.
Effie Ansah plays Sephy and takes her from a subtle childhood innocence to a young woman not afraid to speak her mind. Ansah's performance is captivating and, alongside James Arden as Callum we see a fractious but blossoming relationship. Both Ansah and Arden should be congratulated for their performances which were amazing in their own right, however the chemistry the two have on stage stole the show this evening and had everyone watching invested in the outcome.
This is definitely a show that makes you think, makes you question yourself and allows you to confront a stark truth about inequality in society.
Noughts & Crosses plays at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 19th November. For more information, or to get your tickets, head online to atgtickets.com/birmingham.
