Fio Declaration / "Black Panther"

I’ve spent the past couple of weeks working on a project with Fio, entitled “Declaration” – aimed at helping to increase diversity in Welsh theatre. Aside from being given some personal voice coaching from legendary actress Cathy Tyson, the highlight was the final evening, where three short plays by B.A.M.E. writers were presented at the Sherman Theatre, one written by actor Connor Allen and directed by me. My experience is detailed more fully in a piece I wrote for Arts Scene In Wales, but basically, it was valuable, enjoyable and occasionally highly stressful.

Despite my growing aversion to superhero films, I went to see Ryan Coogler’s “Black Panther”, conscious of its being a cultural landmark, as a mainstream Hollywood film with a mostly black cast, and a focus on Afro-centrism. Basically the tale of the struggle for control over vibranium, an alien element which has made the small African kingdom of Wakanda secretly potent, its massive success is a testament to how much its message of brotherhood and empowerment was needed. The cast is remarkable, and apart from the “Yonder lies the castle of my father” tone to some of the dialogue, it is very well executed. Unfortunately, I’m pretty much immune to the fast-moving CGI slickness which is an essential component of the popular appeal of films from the Marvel universe. Thus, while I wholeheartedly applaud the achievement, I have to confess that it didn’t grab me emotionally.